The Department of Agriculture (DA) praised the modernization of its Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for strengthening food safety, security, and expanding export markets through science and digital technology.

BPI Director Glenn Panganiban emphasized the agency's goal to become proactive, science-driven, and responsive to farmers, consumers, and exporters.

Key advancements include the P55-million Nitrates and Nitrites Analysis Laboratory, which detects chemical residues in plant-based foods, and the Mobile Food Safety Laboratory, which analyzed 604 agricultural samples from 16 provinces.The DA also highlighted the Rice Quality Analyzer for verifying rice labels and supporting the P20-per-kilo rice program.

Digital platforms like the One Stop Industry Revitalization and Information System (OSiRiS) track over 1,100 food business operators, while new export markets for fresh young coconuts to Jordan and frozen calamansi to South Korea were opened.Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.noted that BPI's modernization boosts farmers' incomes and reinforces the Philippines' reputation as a reliable agricultural supplier.These efforts aim to protect public health, enhance competitiveness, and create new trade opportunities.