The Department of Agriculture (DA) is committed to realizing the vision of Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) by implementing systems to ensure food sufficiency and higher incomes for farmers and fishermen. of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) has aligned its projects with the management objectives, demonstrating significant progress in strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.
Commitment to safety
Founded in 1930, DA-BPI has been at the forefront of developing the country’s plant-based industry to ensure food safety. It provides facilities and assistance to Filipino farmers and consumers by aiding agricultural production and ensuring that nutritious and affordable food is available. to all Filipinos. The DA-BPI strives and meets the wishes of stakeholders in terms of studies and development, production support and regulatory facilities.
Innovative agricultural technologies
In line with the President’s call for modernization, DA-BPI has undertaken projects to introduce agricultural technologies to Filipino farmers. The Bureau plans to introduce smart agricultural responses that use knowledge and generation to optimize agricultural production. These inventions are aimed at efficiency, reducing prices and increasing yields for farmers. To begin with, DA-BPI has provided interior development systems in urban spaces and its study centers to demonstrate its ability to modernize the agricultural sector.
Increase farmers’ profitability
In line with President Marcos Jr. ‘s orientation towards a successful agricultural sector, DA-BPI opened its doors at the “Kadiwa Center” in May 2024. Since its launch, sales have reached 2 million pesos and served more of 1,000 consistent consumers per week. This initiative opens new opportunities for farmers to sell their products at better prices, their income and their livelihoods.
Within the framework of the initiative led by the PBBM and the secretary of the DA, Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. , whose goal is to supply high-quality rice at an affordable price, it was decided that DA-BPI will be one of the large-scale test release sites of the large-scale “P29” project. The P29 program was designed for vulnerable groups in our network by selling rice at 29. 00 pesos per kilo to specific beneficiaries, adding the elderly, single parents and other people with disabilities (PWD) and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4P) program.
In 2023, DA-BPI effectively expanded its bilateral relations and accessed local and foreign markets. This expansion included notable achievements such as exporting 3,696 tons of new durian from the Philippines worth $22,000,000 to China and shipping new Hass avocados from the Philippines to Korea, totaling 3,040 boxes worth $48,433. Dollars. Additionally, 1,500 kilograms of new Philippine mangoes were shipped from Davao to Australia and 22,500 kilograms of Philippine pili nuts (with or without shell) were exported to Germany. These achievements particularly contribute to ongoing efforts to conclude bilateral and multilateral industrial agreements with other countries.
Factory Advancements and Safety
Ensuring the suitability and protection of plant products remains a very sensible priority for DA-BPI. The company has intensified its efforts in monitoring and controlling plant pests and diseases, thereby safeguarding local agriculture and exports. BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division has been vigilant in examining and regulating the access of plant products into the country, thereby preventing the spread of destructive pests and diseases.
Additionally, BPI has been proactive in selling Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to farmers. By adhering to GAP standards, farmers can produce safe, high-quality food, which is imperative for both domestic consumption and export markets. In response to the growing call for food protection, on April 11, 2024, the first cellular food protection laboratory was presented in a factory in the country. This cell laboratory illustrates DA-BPI’s commitment to advancing food protection testing and management. It allows the Office to deliver essential food protection directly to consumers and stakeholders.
Support for urban and peri-urban agriculture
Recognizing the importance of urban agriculture in ensuring food security, BPI has actively supported the DA’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPP-DA). This program aims to promote urban food production through the creation of network gardens and the use of cutting-edge techniques such as controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics.
Through partnerships with local government groups and networking organizations, BPI has contributed to the creation of many urban gardens in Metro Manila and neighboring cities. These gardens only supply new products to city dwellers, but they also serve as generation demonstration sites to advertise urban farming practices. .
Collaborative efforts for agricultural development
DA-BPI’s achievements have been supported through its collaborative efforts with stakeholders, aggregating government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the personal sector. These partnerships have enabled the implementation of agricultural progression systems that respond to the multifaceted demanding situations facing the sector. Notable Bureau partnerships include the Korea Agricultural Innovation Association (KOPIA), the Asian Food Initiative and Food Cooperation ( AFACI), the World Vegetable Center and the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The DA-Bureau of Plant Industry has made significant progress in food security and agricultural progress in the Philippines. Building on its successes and continually striving for improvement, the Bureau will continue to advance the goals of the Department of Agriculture under the leadership of President Ferdinand. R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. towards a more resilient and rich country. Agricultural sector to gain advantages for all Filipinos.