QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –- To boost the current administration’s campaign on food security and to promote crop diversification through vegetable production across the country, the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) and the Philippine Seed Industry Association, Inc. (PSIA) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that covers the project entitled “Tagumpay sa Gulay: Nationwide Vegetable Derby and Techno-Demo Showcase at BPI Centers”, on December 11, 2023, at BPI Director’s Office Conference Room.
PSIA was represented by President Mary Ann Sayoc, DVM. and Executive Director Gabriel Romero, Ph.D., while BPI was represented by Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, Ph.D., and Assistant Director for Regulatory Services Ruel Gesmundo.
Hindi kakayanin ng gobyerno mag-isa. Kaya gusto natin na makipagtulungan sa lahat: National government, local governments, private [sectors], kung sino man ang interesadong tumulong,” Dr. Panganiban said highlighting the importance of the project in achieving the current administration’s campaign on food security.
Dr. Sayoc for her part, underscored the importance of the whole-of-society approach. She also highlighted that the engagement of PSIA with BPI has always been smooth-sailing since both parties share common goals.
She expressed the importance of the derby, not only to focus on the farmer’s choice, but also the consumer’s choice of vegetables. Sharing the industry’s best practices to the stakeholders is an essential part of the project, she added.
The companies joining the series of events are as follows: UPL Philippines Inc. (Advanta Seeds), Ramgo International Corporation, East-West Seed Co., Inc., Allied Botanical Corp., SeedWorks Philippines, Inc., Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds Corporation, Harbest Agribusiness Corp., Corteva Agriscience Philippines, Inc., and Haverson Enterprises.
With PSIA and BPI’s dedication to providing quality seeds and relevant technologies to farmers, the project aims to connect farmers with supporting institutions and businesses and to showcase and recognize high-performing vegetable seed varieties and existing technologies in seed production in the market. (DA/PIA-NCR)
