The NCPC Advisory Board during their meeting on March 23. (Photo by JASarmiento)
The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) Advisory Board convened on March 23 at the NCPC Auditorium to talk about the Center’s accomplishments and to discuss its research, development, and extension plans and priorities.
The meeting brought together the following members of the board:
- Domingo F. Panganiban, senior undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) (representing the DA Secretary);
- Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, director of DA-Bureau of Plant Industry;
- Julieta B. Lansangan, officer-in-charge executive director of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority;
- Leilanie D. Pelegrina, director of the Crops Research Division of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD);
- Ramon S. Abadilla, executive director of CropLife Philippines;
- Alfredo T. Gonzalez, executive director of the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines, Inc.;
- Ener F. David, representative of the farming sector;
- Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., dean, College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS); and
- Lavinia Marie A. Manaig-Abucay, representative of OVCRE
Prior to the meeting, the board toured the Center’s Plant Health Clinic where an exhibit of NCPC-developed technologies was installed. NCPC researchers explained the innovations which included the rapid test kit for pesticide residues and some biological control agents.
During the meeting, Dean Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., expressed his delight over NCPC’s continued relevance in crop pest and disease management and shared his hope that the Center will remain proactive and continue to develop relevant research and extension programs.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., conveyed his appreciation for the role of NCPC personnel and their collaborators in ensuring food security. He also stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the Regional Crop Protection Centers.
Dr. Caoili presented NCPC’s accomplishments and plans and solicited the insights of the board. During the open forum, the board exchanged ideas about the opportunities that NCPC could leverage for resilient Philippine food systems, the Center’s value for its stakeholders, among others.
(First published at the Aggie Green & Gold newsletter, March 2023 issue)
