(PPNC) at the Research, Development, and Extension (RDE)
Hall, Visayas State University in Baybay City, Leyte.
(Image credit: VSU Media Team, Visayas State University)
In pursuit of strengthening a biosecure and sustainable Philippine agricultural system, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) co-sponsored and participated in the 2nd Plant Pathology National Congress (PPNC) held at Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte.
Organized by the Philippine Phytopathological Society, Inc. (PPS), the Congress convened over 200 researchers, regulators from the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division (DA-BPI-NPQSD); extension specialists; and other stakeholders to highlight recent innovations in Philippine plant pathology and promote integrated solutions in addressing emerging plant disease challenges. The Congress is themed, “Advancing Innovative Philippine Phytopathology for Climate-Responsive, Biosecure, and Multi-Sectoral Agri-Systems.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Rodel G. Macapañas of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office VIII challenged scientists and the next generation of plant pathologists to modernize and advance crop disease management in the Philippines. “The next generation of plant pathology must be digital—embracing the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing for early detection, and spanning entire provinces. It must be inclusive, humbly listening to the traditional knowledge of farmers,” he emphasized.
of DOST-PCAARRD, in his presentation of “DOST-PCAARRD
Initiatives in Crop Disease Research: Harnessing Innovation
and Collaboration." (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Congress comprised six thematic sessions, each led by experts who discussed key areas of plant disease management, including detection and surveillance, host-pathogen interactions, climate-related disease risks, biosecurity, integrated management strategies, and multi-sectoral partnerships.
In the plenary session titled, “DOST-PCAARRD Initiatives in Crop Disease Research: Harnessing Innovation and Collaboration," Mr. Alvin Quiel C. Sabanal, DOST-PCAARRD Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Rice, highlighted the Council’s key R&D outputs, including the development of disease-resistant crop varieties, biological control agents, and integrated disease management strategies. He also highlighted innovations in diagnostics and monitoring, such as rapid detection kits, decision-support tools, and disease surveillance systems.
Other separate plenary sessions also featured DOST-PCAARRD-supported initiatives in crop disease research. Dr. Karen B. Alviar of the University of the Philippines Los Baños discussed RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches for managing insect-vectored plant diseases, while Dr. Jonar I. Yago of the Nueva Vizcaya State University presented chemometric-based gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) profiling for early detection of soilborne pathogens in ginger.
Research outputs of the DOST-PCAARRD-supported projects were also showcased during the scientific poster competition. These included: a) Rapid PCR-based detection methods for routine surveillance and early diagnosis of Bugtok disease in bananas; b) Identification of Colletotrichum species causing mango fruit anthracnose in the Philippines; and c) Evaluation of Trichoderma spp. and entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents against key pathogens behind anthracnose-twister disease in onion.
Competition, featuring research outputs of DOST-PCAARRD/UPLB projects.
(Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Congress also marked the launch of “Diseases of Bananas in the Philippines,” a reference book published by PPS and the Pest Management Council of the Philippines (PMCP) Foundation, Inc., which provides comprehensive information on major banana diseases and their management.
The continued support of DOST-PCAARRD to this initiative reflects its strong commitment to advancing Philippine agricultural systems by strengthening collaboration across the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.