BSU Phytopathological Society - PPS

🌱 HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE! 🌱

Today marks a milestone in the history of the BSU – Phytopathological Society (BSU-PPS) as we proudly welcome 31 new Plant Pathology major students into our growing family—the largest batch of new members ever recorded in the Society's history.

For years, our organization was one of the smallest academic organizations. But today, we celebrate a new chapter as our ranks have grown stronger than ever. This is more than just a number—it is a testament to the increasing passion, commitment, and interest of students in the science of plant health and crop protection.

This historic batch proudly bears the name "INOCULUM." In plant pathology, an inoculum is the living propagule of a microorganism that initiates a new cycle of growth and interaction. While the term is often associated with disease, it fundamentally represents the beginning of a process, the source from which something spreads and flourishes. Likewise, the INOCULUM Batch symbolize the beginning of a new era for BSU-PPS. As the largest cohort ever welcomed into the Society, may you become an inoculum of student leadership, academic performance, and service that will inspire future generations of plant pathologists.

🌿 Welcome, INOCULUM Batch! Welcome to the BSU–Phytopathological Society!

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations and warm welcome to our newly elected officers, together with our advisers and co-advisers, whose dedication and guidance will help lead the Society into this exciting new era.

31 members. One Society. One Historic Milestone.

Congratulations, Graduates!

Rooted in science, driven by purpose, and ready for the future. Congratulations, Plant Pathology and Mushroom Science Class of 2026! 🎓

PPS will forever be proud of you and will always be rooting for your success wherever life takes you.

Ma'am Lucy was a remarkable supervisor, leader & professor whose works & vision advanced knowledge & skills far beyond Benguet State University. More than her achievements, she had inspired and mentored many students and colleagues with full dedication and noble service. As a former boss/supervisor, she modeled leadership with humility. As a colleague, she shared, cared & helped with kindness and generosity. As a distinguished researcher, she taught & showed us that research is not only about discovery but about making an impact that will benefit farmers & scientific community. Though she has gone ahead, her legacy & influence lives on with us. As the scripture says:
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever (Daniel 12:3)

Till we meet again ma'am Lucy.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗚𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

Field validation activities for the 2026 Gawad Saka Awards are now underway conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as part of its nationwide evaluation of outstanding agricultural innovations. The process involves rigorous on-site inspections, technical assessments, and stakeholder consultations to verify the performance, relevance, and real-world impact of shortlisted entries from across the country.

Among this year’s distinguished nominees is a research initiative from Benguet State University (BSU), which has been officially shortlisted for national validation.

The coffee research in BSU along with the recent study on pest management using beneficialfungi and soil nematodes against Arabica coffee berry borer (𝘏𝘺𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘪) advances our understanding of sustainable pest management in the Philippine coffee industry. The CBB project is funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and implemented by a multidisciplinary team led by Nordalyn B. Pedroche, with Lucille M. Faroden, Chylyn C. Tawa, Mark Philip A. Coga-ay, Nora Hill G. Evasco, and Diwa B. Kingay as co-researchers.

The Gawad Saka Awards, regarded as the highest recognition program of the DA, honors exemplary farmers, fisherfolk, researchers, institutions, and local government initiatives that demonstrate innovation, productivity, sustainability, and significant contributions to agricultural and fisheries development in the Philippines. Final awardees are selected through a multi-stage evaluation process that includes documentary screening, field validation, and technical committee review.

Coffee production remains a vital livelihood in upland areas of the country, with Arabica coffee contributing significantly to local economies. However, production is continually threatened by the coffee berry borer (𝘏𝘺𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘪), one of the most destructive pests affecting coffee yield and quality worldwide. In response, the BSU research team developed and tested biological control agents white muscardine fungus, 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢, and beneficial soil nematodes as environmentally sound alternatives to chemical pesticides. These entomopathogenic organisms target pest populations while preserving ecological balance, reducing chemical dependence, and promoting soil and crop health.The innovation supports climate-smart and sustainable agriculture by offering safer pest control options that can improve yield, lower production costs, and align with the increasing global demand for sustainably produced coffee.

Being shortlisted for the Gawad Saka Awards and undergoing national validation reflects strong recognition of BSU’s scientific contribution and its relevance to Philippine agricultural development. It also highlights the university’s continued role as a leading research institution in the Cordillera region, committed to developing science-based solutions that directly address farmers’ needs.//RATitiwa

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Dr. Judith Lawilao, a dedicated Plant Pathologist and Associate Professor from Benguet State University, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.

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