๐ฐ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ || ๐๐๐น๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฏ – Responding to the urgent concern raised by ED Cheryl Lazaga Eusala to Director Glenn Panganiban, HVCDP National Director and Executive Director of BPI, regarding the implementation of the combat against PLFD last May 24, 2023, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant and Industry (DA-BPI), in close collaboration with the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), took the lead in organizing a crucial training program. This training program aimed to deputize Domestic Plant Quarantine Officers/Inspectors to bolster the biosecurity measures against PLFD. The event was attended by representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, municipal agriculturists, and PVets at Jackiesโ Hotels and Restaurant.
The training commenced with an in-depth overview of BPIโs role and systematic approach in mitigating Pestalotiopsis spread. Equipping deputized officers, Mr. Mark Cabral of BPI provided a comprehensive look at the Special Quarantine Orderโs significance in preventing further disease spread. Mr. Raymond Reyes of BPI, highlighted deputized plant quarantine inspectorโs vital responsibilities, including inspection, and implementing quarantine measures for rubber industry protection.
PRRI, represented by Mr. Meynard Abello, shared the latest updates on Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease, its devastating effects on the rubber industry, and effective strategies to combat it. Attendees were provided with essential knowledge and guidance on identifying symptoms, preventive measures, and disease management techniques. This serves as PRRI’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the Philippine rubber industry.
In an exciting development, a similar training program was conducted in Joveth, Isabela City, Basilan on July 20, 2023. The event saw the active participation of local authorities, indicating Basilan’s dedication to addressing the issue head-on with the assistance of PRRI.
Both training sessions emphasized the crucial role of information dissemination in controlling PLFD. Educating the public about the diseaseโs raises awareness and enables early detection. Clear guidelines for checkpoint operations and reporting systems were established, empowering deputized officers to safeguard the Philippine rubber industry effectively.
As the training concluded, attendees were positive to have fully grasped the task with assisting BPI in inspections and disease control efforts. Thus, the participants were also candidates for the issuance of the Certificate of Deputized Plant Quarantine Officers/Inspectors by the BPI Director. Their commitment and dedication to protecting the livelihoods of rubber farmers and the industry at large exemplify the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility that drives agricultural progress in the region.
The success of the training program highlighted the significance of partnership between government agencies like BPI and research institutes like PRRI in combating agricultural challenges. Through these joint efforts and the empowerment of plant quarantine officers, the Philippine rubber industry shall surely overcome the challenges posed by Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease and move forward towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
๐โโ๐๐๐โ๐พ ๐ป๐ผโ๐๐๐ธ๐๐๐โ ๐โ๐ธ๐โ๐โ๐พ ๐โโ๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐ผ:
August 1-2, 2023: Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur
August 9-10, 2023: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
August 15-16, 2023: Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur
August 17-18, 2023: Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte
– ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
