The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) inaugurated the National Seed Reserve in Quezon City on Thursday, according to BusinessWorld. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban led the opening ceremony.
The facility can store nearly 9,000 bags of seed and is solar-powered to help maintain seed quality. The use of renewable energy ensures temperature and humidity control necessary for preserving seed viability over time.
The National Seed Reserve is expected to strengthen the country's agricultural resilience by providing a buffer stock of high-quality seeds for farmers, particularly during planting seasons or emergencies. It is part of BPI's ongoing efforts to modernize the country's seed storage infrastructure.