A training on inbred rice seed production and certification for seed inspectors in Region XII was conducted last September 4-8, 2023 at ATI-RTC XII, San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato. The training was attended by 20 participants from different provinces in the region.
The training was facilitated by technical staff Jayson V. Abang, who discussed the rice industry situationer, rice morphology and growth stages, and KeyCheck 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9. Rice focal person Engr. Jun Rey Samillano gave an overview of the PalayCheck System and tackled KeyCheck 1, while Agriculturist I Jhonny H. Pasaquian presented KeyCheck 4, 5, and 6.
In addition, the following topics were also discussed:
- Climate change resilience by Planning Officer Engr. Teofilo Jumawan Jr.
- Policies and guidelines on inbred rice seed production and the mechanics and requirements in seed certification by Ms. Joy Tamamay of BPI-NSQCS
Mr. Eric Leonillo talked about the roles of seed inspector, seed sampling, sample seed preparation, and tagging, while Ms. Maricar Pan discussed seed testing methods, procedures, and laboratory standards.
The participants also underwent various hands-on activities such as field inspection, warehouse inspection and seed sampling, seedling drying, and processing demonstration at BINTIKU MPAC, Surallah, South Cotabato.
The training was aimed to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform their duties as seed inspectors. Seed inspectors play a vital role in ensuring the quality and purity of rice seeds, which is essential for maintaining a sustainable and productive rice industry.
The training was conducted in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII), the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the BINTIKU MPAC.
