Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center - BSU

28/07/2026

𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐂𝐑𝐓𝐂: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

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.

20/07/2026

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞│𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

As the Center continues its mission as the prime mover of a sustainable rootcrop industry, the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center embraces a new chapter of leadership.

The Center extends its heartfelt appreciation to Grace S. Backian for her unwavering commitment, guidance, leadership, and contributions to the Center.

At the same time, a warm welcome to Dr. Darwin A. Basquial as he steps into his new role as NPRCRTC Director. The Center is looking forward to working under his guidance as we strive toward our shared goals, and continue serving our farmers and partners with renewed passion.

10/07/2026

Send-Off for Interns: DMMSU-SLUC, BSU-Biology, BSU-Buguias, BSU-Stat and SLU-Biology

June 8, 2026 (DMMSU-SLUC) and July 3, 2026 (BSU-Biology, BSU-Buguias, BSU-Stat and SLU-Biology)

We bid farewell and congratulate our 16 versatile interns from Don Mariano Marcos State University–South La Union Campus (DMMSU-SLUC), 20 dedicated interns from BSU-BS Biology, 5 industrious interns from BSU-Buguias Campus BT-VTE Major in Agricultural Crop Production, 2 diligent interns from BSU-Statistics and 10 enthusiastic interns from Saint Louis University-BS Biology as they successfully complete their internship with us.

Throughout their stay, the interns engaged in an immersive experiential learning environment—participating in field demonstrations and hands-on activities across our divisions: Crop Improvement, Engineering, Crop Management, Postharvest and Utilization, Social Science and Policy, and Training and Extension.

To our dear OJTs, thank you for your hard work, help, company and enthusiasm. We hope that your experience and learnings will be able to give you a more positive outlook in life and add to your appreciative attitude towards field work. We also hope that the friends and camaraderie you’ve forged with the other interns throughout your stay will always accompany you.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

17/06/2026

June 15, 2026

We celebrate with you!

Congratulations to all newly appointed and promoted BSU employees, especially to Ms. Patricia K. Akiate and welcoming back Ms. Almarie W. Sukil-ap! Wishing you continued growth and success as you embrace your new roles and may your initiatives in research, development and extension continue to bring meaningful impact to our stakeholders. Cheers!

17/06/2026

June 15, 2026

Japanese participants from the Overseas Training Program accompanied by the Department of Agriculture visited the BSU-NPRCRTC, particularly the Seed Potato Production, as part of their training titled Agricultural Value Chain and Rural Development Training Program which aims to help the participants gain a broad understanding of agricultural value chains and rural communities through visits to agricultural and rural development sites in the Philippines.

They were welcomed by Grace S. Backian, Director for NPRCRTC, together with the center’s staff. Micropropagation process was introduced and explained by Jennie B. Balao, division head for CMSPD, while Arlene B. Bautista, staff from CMSPD, explained the process of multiplying planting materials in the greenhouse. It was also emphasized during the visit the collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and BSU-NPRCRTC.

17/05/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our former NPRCRTC Director, Ms. Teresita Diccion Masangcay. Her guidance, expertise, and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by the NPRCRTC family and all who were blessed to know her.
Family and friends may pay their respects at Purok 8, Barangay Santa Lucia, Aringay, La Union.
We ask for your prayers and thoughts for her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

27/04/2026

April 21-22, 2026

The BSU-NPRCRTC conducted a training on Improved Purple Yam Production Practices for the members of the Living Water Association in Tuel, Tublay, Benguet. The training aimed to promote the adoption of improved and location-specific purple yam production technologies while strengthening farmers’ access to technical guidance and advisory support.

Aligned with development priorities, this activity contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills, the training sought to improve productivity, increase income opportunities, and promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Participants gained knowledge on the status and potential of yam production not only in the Philippines but also globally. Topics discussed included seed yam production systems and the importance of quality planting materials, fertilizer application in ubi production, and pest and disease management. Advanced technologies such as purple yam production using drip irrigation and aeroponics were likewise presented to provide insights into current innovations in yam production.

In seed yam production, the yam minisett technique was emphasized. Participants actively participated in the hands-on activity and return demonstration. A total of 1,118 cut setts were produced during the training and were pre-rooted in the farmers’ field. These outputs will serve as planting materials as the community continues to engage in yam production.

27/04/2026

BSU condoles with the bereaved family of Isidro B. Awal.

He was a former Science Research Specialist.

27/04/2026

April 15-16, 2026

The BSU-NPRCRTC, in collaboration with the Local Government of Itogon and the Municipal Agriculturist Office, conducted a training on cassava production and processing in Sitio Lusod, Itogon, Benguet. This activity was organized in response to the request of the community, particularly the Lusod Ambasa Ancestral Domain Indigenous Peoples Organization (LAADIPO), to enhance their knowledge on cassava production and to explore opportunities in cassava processing.
The two-day training equipped participants with knowledge on the status of cassava production in the country, cultural management practices, pest and disease management, and cassava utilization. The activity also engaged participants in hands-on cassava planting, as well as in the preparation of cassava-based products such as cassava flour polvoron and cassava kutsinta.

Additionally, the BSU-NPRCRTC has become a regular partner of the LGU in providing training on cassava production and utilization. In the previous year, similar trainings were conducted in Sitio Balococ, Dalupirip, and Ucab. Participants from these earlier trainings continue to produce cassava-based products such as cassava polvoron and cassava kutsinta, both for occasional selling and for household consumption.

08/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18WeBDoDJz/

Discover the inspiring story of Mr. Junard T. Bagnisen--highlighting how his internship at the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center-Benguet State University laid the foundation of his SPUD-tacular success!

𝐊𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐍 | Mula sa pangarap tungo sa katuparan! Kilalanin si Junard T. Bagnisen, isa sa mga scholar ng unang batch ng EAsY Agri Scholar ng ATI-RTC-CAR.

Ang kanyang paglalakbay ay repleksyon ng ating layunin na palakasin ang sektor ng agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon at makabagong teknolohiya.

𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐧: https://ati2.da.gov.ph/ati-car/content/node/595