19/09/2025
๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ '๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐
๐น๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐
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๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐
๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐'
The Bureau of Plant IndustryโNational Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS) Caraga, under the leadership of its chief, Ms. Lita Amancia M. Yandug, successfully conducted the Retooling Course on In**ed Rice Seed Production and Certification for Seed Growers at Dottieโs Place Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City last September 17-19, 2025.
The three-days activity gathered 40 seed growers from various provinces across Caraga Region, reinforcing their knowledge and skills to support the regionโs rice seed industry.
To open the event, Mr. Rey Frias, Regional Rice Coordinator and APCO Chief of Butuan City, delivered his message highlighting the importance of collaboration in strengthening rice production. This was followed by a comprehensive overview of the rice program in Caraga presented by Ms. Shiela May Mocoy, Regional Seed Coordinator of DA Region 13.
Representatives from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) also shared their expertise. Mr. Noel Negre discussed the background and roles of FPA in supporting rice farmers, while Mr. Josepth Recto T. Canda emphasized the judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides for sustainable farming.
Technical sessions were also held to provide updates on rice seed production. Mr. Dionrill Noja of PhilRice Agusan presented on โVarietal Selection and Characteristics of Newly Approved Varieties as per NSIC Registration Data (Regional Recommended Varieties),โ while Ms. Vunny Michelle Baradillo of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) Caraga discussed the utilization of bio-control agents in rice seed production. Adding valuable insights from the cooperative sector, Mr. Castor Diogracias Jaldo, Chairman of BUSEPCO, delivered a comprehensive report on the status of rice cooperatives in Caraga.
In addition, Mr. Ronie Naquila, Laboratory Inspector II of BPI-NSQCS 13, delivered a lecture on the Rice Seed Information System, with emphasis on the GrowApp and Seed Growerโs Portal. He guided participants on navigating the applications, explaining each process and detail to equip seed growers with the knowledge needed to utilize the system effectively. This aims to establish a faster and more holistic rice seed information system in the region.
The success of this retooling course was made possible through the active participation of seed growers and the strong support of partner agencies. With shared commitment and expertise, this initiative marks another step forward in achieving a more progressive, sustainable, and resilient rice industry in Caraga Region.