#BioConLab | Bureau of Plant Industry evaluates bio-con laboratories in EV
Published by Crop Pest Management Division
A team of crop protection experts from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) came down to Eastern Visayas this week to evaluate the existing Biological Control Laboratories in the region.
Key personnel from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), headed by Dr. Peter Magdaraog, Chief – Crop Pest Management Division paid a courtesy visit and gave a project brief to the Department of Agriculture RFO 8 Regional Executive Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais.
The activity is in line with the ongoing collaborative project of BPI, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) dubbed as “Development of Innovation System for Climate Smart Pest Management for Rice (CSPM).” It focuses on rice areas that are vulnerable to climate change. Also, it aims to develop and promote CSPM as a potent tool to reduce crop losses caused by pests, increase the economic resilience of farmers, adopt sustainable technologies, and improve environmental resilience.
Said activity would eventually strengthen the conceptualization of establishing village-type biological control laboratories in specified regions.
During the discussion, RED Orais underscored the need to revisit and evaluate the BCA laboratories established in the different provinces of Eastern Visayas. These laboratories were duly funded by the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) fund and were set up for the production of Metarhizium in order to manage the rice black bug (RBB).
BCA laboratories were established in the municipalities for farmers’ easy access and use of biological control agents. These BCAs are cost effective, environmentally friendly, and pose no risk to public health. Moreover, through Bio-Con lab, farmers will be aware of the healthier options in farming.
Shortly after the courtesy call, the BPI team together with the Regional Crop Protection Center led by Acting Chief Ms Silvia C. Rosaroso headed to Abuyog for the initial evaluation of the Bio-Con Laboratories in Barangay Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte, and proceeded to Dulag, Leyte for the Earwigs Production Laboratory. ###
Report/ Photo Credits: RCPC/ Rosaroso/ Orais.
