The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) highlighted the importance of a proactive plant industry in ensuring food for the country during the celebration of the Bureau’s 93rd founding anniversary on January 19, 2023.
“I see that the Bureau of Plant Industry has succeeded in performing functions in the various field of endeavors like seed production, crop protection, management and biotechnology,” Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban said.
Recalling his stint as a Bureau director, the Sr. Usec expressed gratitude to the men and women of BPI for the transformations within the organization.
He highlighted that cooperation and effective management are essential to the success of any organization.
“I appreciate the efforts of the various directors that led the bureau through the years. I believe that Dir. Glenn Panganiban and his Assistant Director will impart their wisdom of governance to all employees and so I expect all of you to work hard and realize the goal that you intend to achieve,” he added.
Usec. Panganiban encouraged the BPI family to step up in its efforts in support to the development of the durian, cacao, coffee, and rubber industries. He also directed them to intensify actions to combat banana fusarium wilt.
Meanwhile, DA-BPI Director Panganiban expressed his appreciation to all the staff for their hard work which led the organization to where it is today. He also urged them to reflect on their past milestones.
“We are one of the oldest bureaus of the Department. I thank you for being here with us to commemorate the founding anniversary of the organization. It’s been a tough couple of years because of the challenges of the pandemic, natural disasters, international conflict and other global economic crisis, yet, we remain steadfast,” he said.
In his message, the Director assured the bureau’s commitment to its public and private partners.
“I encourage everyone to continuously improve services and programs in order for us to boost production, increase food security efforts, promote collaboration and engagement of various sectors, and adapt innovations and technologies, which will aid us in achieving our goals and objectives for the benefit of our farmers and stakeholders,” Dir. Panganiban said.
To highlight the event, DA-BPI distributed free seeds and featured a memory lane of accomplishments of the different research facilities across the nation. DA, through Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), also opened a Kadiwa outlet within the BPI compound in Malate, Manila for the celebration. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
