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In collaboration with Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) and United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province, Inc. (UPPBMPI), a two-day training on May 21-22, 2025 was conducted at Igorota Hall, Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center, attended by 24 farmers from the municipalities of Buguias and Kabayan.

The first day of the training focused entirely on lectures about potatoes. Mr. Alvin T. Compelio shared the success of their seed potato production. Ms. Dalen T. Meldoz provided an overview of the impact of quality seeds on farmer beneficiaries. Ms. Arlene B. Bautista discussed the status of potato production in the Philippines and emphasized the importance of using high-quality planting materials. Ms. Jennie B. Balao explained the micropropagation of potatoes. This was followed by Mr. Gabby K. Dao-ines, he discussed the rapid multiplication technique for potatoes in the greenhouse.

In the afternoon, Mr. Cole Jeran MC. Malucay discussed the integrated pest management of major potato diseases and insect pests. In continuation, Ms. Balao discussed the major quarantine diseases affecting potatoes. The final lecture of the day was delivered by Ms. Grace S. Backian, who presented the results of the NICER potato project mapping.

On the second day, Ma’am Karla Ngitngit delivered an inspirational message from the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation. Continuing the lectures, Mr. Dondon O. Socalo discussed domestic quarantine regulations concerning the movement of plants, planting materials, and plant products, followed by Ms. Catherine B. Balaoing, she explained the policies and guidelines on seed potato accreditation and certification.
Participants also engaged in hands-on activities, including planting tissue-cultured plantlets and producing apical rooted cuttings under the supervision of greenhouse facilitators Ms. Bautista and Mr. Dao-ines.
This collaborative training program contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security #SDG2, sustainable agriculture #SDG12, education #SDG4, and partnerships #SDG17.