Los Baños, The Philippines
3 July 2024
The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) held its 49th founding anniversary with the theme “Unlocking the Vault of Green Gold: A Retrospect of Excellence and Expansion” through a series of activities from June 3 to 13, 2024.
The celebration kicked off with the Family Fun Fest on June 3, 2024, where staff played various outdoor games aimed at uniting the workforce in healthy competition.
IPB personnel who had rendered long years of service at the institute and retirees were recognized at a ceremony on June 5 that was witnessed by UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. and Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS).
The institute’s founding director National Scientist (NS) Emil Q. Javier, with NS Dolores A. Ramirez, former directors, alumni, and IPB’s Council of Elders were also present during the occasion.
Dr. Maria Luisa D. Guevarra, IPB deputy director, highlighted the role of the institute in nutritional security and food sustainability. “Let us continue to bolster our linkages and collaborations for Philippine agriculture, the Filipino farmers, and the common good,” she said.
Dean Agbisit recognized the people behind the achievements of IPB: “We celebrate not just a number, but a legacy of excellence. Thank you for bringing IPB to new heights, and cultivating a culture of innovation that has resulted in priceless contributions to our farming communities. We’ve seen the emergence of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties that strengthen our farmers.”
On the other hand, Chancellor Camacho emphasized in his remarks the role of IPB in climate change. “I am certain that IPB is ready to rise to this challenge. We will not be discouraged. May you continue to serve as a beacon, an inspiration to your peers, and an exemplar of government service,” he said. Chancellor Camacho also affirmed the support of the UPLB administration for IPB’s programs and initiatives.
Among the highlights of the event were poster and paper presentations of IPB researchers and students, stakeholders’ testimonials, and the showcase of newly registered varieties and technologies. The new varieties included five cassava, three gumamela, and one new variety each of mango, jute or saluyot, and tomato. The two new technologies were the Banana BBTV Batch Detection System and the Banana Whole Genome SNP-Panel, both of which are currently undergoing the patent application process.
On June 6 and 7, the IPB Junior Researchers’ Organization (JRO) held its 4th Scientific Conference with UPLB and CAFS officials gracing the program.
Engr. Roger V. Navarro, undersecretary for operations of the Department of Agriculture, showed his full support to IPB. In his keynote address, he presented the challenges that Philippine agriculture is facing and his vision for IPB.
USec Navarro said that he has high hopes that the country will have more breeders to develop greater varieties and technologies beneficial to the nation, addressing importation issues. The institutional heads also gave their words of encouragement to the young researchers.
The new JRO officers were inducted into office and the Outstanding and Loyalty awardees were also honored during the awarding ceremony.
Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Nathaniel C. Bantayan congratulated the organization for providing a venue for staff and students to harness their potential, disseminate their findings, and engage in meaningful discussions with peers while also fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge in the field of agriculture.
The anniversary celebration concluded with a Farmers’ Forum held on June 13 that was attended by over a hundred participants, including farmer groups and representatives of municipal agriculture offices from different regions.
IPB researchers lectured on the conservation, management, and sustainable use of plant genetic resources; the potential of indigenous crops; soybean processing; site-specific nutrient management for cassava production; and SNAP hydroponics. The participants expressed their gratitude for the knowledge they gained during the forum.
Moreover, IPB showcased its varieties and technologies while a plant pest clinic was made available for farmers to consult. Exhibitors such as Ramgo Seeds, Bayer CropScience, Inc., Syngenta Phils. Inc., Leads Agri, SeedWorks Philippines, Inc., Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, East-West Seed Philippines, and the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines also featured their products as part of the activity.
Ms. Carolyn E. Alcasid, head of the anniversary steering committee, thanked everyone for making the celebration successful and meaningful.
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