Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban acknowledged the vital role of the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) as one of the DA’s partners in attaining national food security during the 47th Founding Anniversary celebration of the institution on May 22, 2023.
“As always, the continued development of the NCPC’s expertise in theoretical and applied scientific knowledge is of vital importance to the entire range of our crop protection programs,” Undersecretary Panganiban said.
He said that the center’s role has assumed greater significance through the years as the population increases and the country aims for higher sufficiency levels particularly in rice.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DA aims to raise the rice farmer’s average yields from 4.5 metric tons per hectare to at least 7.5 metric tons per hectare.
“We remain committed to that objective — and we look to the NCPC to lead the way in helping the National Government and our local government units wield new scientific knowledge as we strive toward its attainment,” Undersecretary Panganiban said.
He also noted the significant damage of crop pests and diseases to the agriculture sector and recognized NCPC’s assistance in addressing the problem.
Among the activities undertaken by the DA and NCPC include increasing the production of biological control agents and quality mother stocks to reduce pest infestations, expanding surveillance and validation operations, modernizing diagnostics and management services, and promoting proper tillage and sustainable farming techniques.
“I am confident that this year’s observance of the Center’s founding anniversary will advance the unique relationship between the DA and the NCPC,” Undersecretary Panganiban said.
The NCPC, a primary institution of the University of the Philippines Los Baños for research, development, and extension, was established on May 19, 1976 by virtue of P.D. 936 issued by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. By Gumamela Cels Bejarin
