SLSU-Bontoc Faculty joined the 1st Pathology National Congress held at UP-Los Banos
SLSU-Bontoc, represented by Mr. Gladwin Goc-ong, Faculty of the Department of Agricultural Sciences (DAgS), attends the 1st Plant Pathology National Congress (PPNC) of the Philippine Phytopathological Society Inc. (PPS) held at Charles Fuller Baker Memorial Hall, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines on February 21-23, 2024.
Attended by almost 200 participants, the said 3-day event was filled with exciting and relevant topics that focused on current updates on emerging plant pathogens and current research on plant disease management. Unlike any other Pest Management Council organized in the Philippines, PPNC aims to unite plant pathologists in the country to strengthen its presence in the scientific community.
During the opening ceremonies, plant pathologists working in different sectors of the country were warmly welcomed and introduced. This was followed by a book launch featuring the former president of PPS, Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo, who shared his scientific findings on the epidemics and control of abaca viral diseases.
On the second day, a poster presentation was organized, and students and professionals participated in sharing their recent findings on a particular research topic in plant pathology. Roundtable discussions on pressing issues were also conducted to develop an attainable action plan.
To conclude the event on the 3rd day, participants attended an educational tour set at the plant pathology and crop protection section of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), one of the leading and prestigious international research institutions based in the country.
In a statement, Mr. Goc-ong, also the current coordinator of the Research and Innovation Office of SLSU-Bontoc, emphasized that the congress has fostered a deeper appreciation for young minds like him about the pivotal role of plant pathologists in science and agriculture. Moreover, in an emerging campus like the SLSU Bontoc, Mr. Goc-ong is optimistic that he can be instrumental in igniting the curiosity of his students to learn about the study of living, non-living, and environmental causes of plant diseases. Mr. Goc-ong also highlighted the significance of understanding the microbial world, particularly soil microbial communities, and its role in curbing synthetic fertilizers that are known to compromise health and the environment.
Overall, the congress provided opportunities to be equipped with the recent advances in plant pathology that will help further the instruction, research and extension of SLSU. Scientific progress emphasizing digitalization and smart agriculture was also discussed.
