Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center - BSU

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.

23/04/2026

The Ube Revolution: Philippine's Purple Yam Goes Global

354 likes, 54 comments. "Purple Ube has gone global. What it means for Filipino farmers. (Full Documentary) | ABS-CBN News"

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

24/03/2026

Congratulations to all newly hired and promoted BSU employees, especially to Vanessa Mae E. Kalinggan! Wishing you continued growth and success as you embrace your new role—may you soar higher and return even stronger. Cheers, matagotago ka.😀