July 27, 2026

The Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center formally welcomed its new leadership during a Turnover Ceremony and General Meeting as Grace S. Backian officially passed the key of responsibility to Dr. Darwin A. Basquial.

In her exit speech, Grace S. Backian thanked the team for their support and expressed her commitment to backing the Center’s next chapter. Taking on the role, Dr. Darwin A. Basquial presented a two-year roadmap plan for the Center.

In his message, University President Kenneth A. Laruan challenged the Center to step up human resource development, upgrade staff positions, boost internal fund generation, and work toward a centralized RDE database. Adding to the message of support, Private Sector Board Representative Ms. Janet S. Luis emphasized the vital role of public-private partnerships in scaling root crop technologies and driving sustainable agricultural enterprise for local farming community.

Following the formal turnover, NPRCRTC division heads presented their organizational structures, current projects, and upcoming activities to align team efforts with the Center’s new direction.