Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), together with Mr. Christian Cangao, Information Officer of TFNet, were invited to attend the 94th Anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Plant Industry – Los Baños National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BPI-Los Baños) on 19 November.
With the theme “94 Years of Legacy: Cultivating Self-Reliant Communities for the Nation’s Food Security,” the celebration brought together BPI-Los Baños staff and key stakeholders from the farming community, traders, and private sector.
The program began with Welcome Remarks by Dr. Joel L. Adorada, Center Chief of BPI-Los Baños, followed by messages from BPI Assistant Director Dr. Herminigilda A. Gabertan and BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban.
BPI-Los Baños also presented its 2025 accomplishments, showcasing its initiatives and milestones for the year such as supporting various agriculture development programs, distribution of seeds, planting materials, and vermicompost packs, and research and development of lowland vegetables.
The keynote address was delivered by Atty. Virgilio A. Tiongson Jr., Municipal Administrator of Los Baños, Laguna, representing Los Baños Municipal Mayor Neil Andrew Nocon.
Outstanding staff of the center were later recognized with certificates of appreciation, followed by the Closing Remarks delivered by Senior Agriculturist Niña R. Rosales.
In the afternoon, participants joined concurrent technical trainings, including:
- Propagation and management of black pepper;
- Urban and peri-urban gardening with vermiculture and vermicomposting; and
- Organic agriculture
TFNet’s participation reflects its continued commitment to strengthening collaboration in research, development, and capacity building with member institutions in the Philippines and across the region.
