The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) held a briefing on 10 August 2026 with Mr. Yondre J. Yonder of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippines, as part of efforts to strengthen country-level engagement and working coordination with the Philippines.
Mr. Yonder has been designated by BPI as the focal person to support coordination and technical engagement with TFNet under the leadership of BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, who represents the Philippines on TFNet’s Board of Trustees. In this capacity, Mr. Yonder will facilitate working-level coordination, information exchange and technical collaboration between BPI and TFNet, particularly in areas related to mango research, development and production, as well as other tropical fruit priorities.
Mr. Yonder currently serves as the Agricultural Center Chief of BPI’s Guimaras National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center. The Center plays an important role in the conservation and development of genetic resources for mango and other high-value crops, the adoption of cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies, and the provision of quality planting materials.
With his extensive involvement in BPI’s mango programmes, Mr. Yonder brings valuable technical and operational experience that will support closer engagement between TFNet and BPI. His involvement is expected to facilitate the implementation of collaborative activities and strengthen the flow of technical information and expertise between both organizations.
Also present during the briefing was Dr. Herminigilda A. Gabertan, former Assistant Director and current Technical Consultant for BPI. Prior to her retirement, Dr. Gabertan served as the focal person for TFNet and was instrumental in coordinating the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board’s study visit to pineapple companies in the Philippines. As Technical Consultant, she will be supporting Mr. Yonder in TFNet matters.
TFNet looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with BPI and supporting initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development, productivity and competitiveness of the tropical fruit sector in the Philippines and across the TFNet Network.