BSU Phytopathological Society - PPS

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.

Hello, BSU! 🌱📸

It’s time to support your favorite entries in the PhytoShots Contest!

Cast your vote by reacting to the PhytoShot you think deserves to win. Any reaction counts! 👍❤️😮
Feel free to engage, share, and show your support.

🚫 Buying of votes is strictly not allowed.

Vote wisely and let the best PhytoShot win! 🫶

EXTENDED UNTIL APRIL 16! 🫶

🌱 BSU-PPS Goes to Los Baños! 🔬✨

Last March 11–13, 2026, the Phytopathological Society (PPS) 3rd Year students of the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Benguet State University went on an educational field trip to Los Baños, Laguna to gain hands-on experience in plant disease diagnostics and research laboratories at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

For three days, the students explored different research facilities and experienced actual laboratory techniques used in plant pathology.

📍 Day 1: Visit to W**d Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology (IWEP) in UP Los Baños, where the students were introduced to the research environment and facilities that support plant health and crop protection studies

📍 Day 2: At the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), UPLB, the students conducted PCR and gel electrophoresis for the detection of Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), giving them valuable hands-on experience in molecular plant virology.

📍 Day 3: The group visited the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) where they performed bacterial isolation of soft rot infected plant samples. They also toured the Museum of Natural History, UPLB, exploring the Botanical Herbarium, Mycological Herbarium, and the D.S. Rabor Wildlife Collection, where they learned about specimen preservation, biodiversity documentation, and scientific collections.

The students were accompanied by three faculty members of the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, BSU, Ma’am Marie Mercedez R. Cuaresma, Sirs Jaime B. Codio and Oliver D. Balanban. They also met with some of the faculty members and affiliate professors of the Institute of W**d Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology (IWEP), UPLB, Dr. Teresita U. Dalisay, Dr. Joey I. Orajay and Scientist Fe M. Dela Cueva.

From greenhouse sampling to PCR, bacterial isolation, and exploring scientific collections, the trip was a meaningful experience that allowed PPS students to connect classroom learning with real world plant pathology research.

PHYTOSHOTS CONTEST 📷

Do you have an eye for detail and a passion for plant pathology? This is your chance to showcase your photography skills while highlighting the importance of plant disease identification.

Capture a clear and compelling photograph of plant disease symptoms found in your local area and be part of the PhytoShots Photography Contest.

🔬 Open to all Benguet State University students
📅 Submission Period: March 11–25, 2026
📍 Venue: Plant Pathology Extension Laboratory & Online Platform

Your photo will be evaluated based on scientific relevance, photographic quality, creativity, and caption description, plus Facebook engagement.

🏆 Cash prizes, tokens, and certificates await the winning entries. Selected photos will also be featured on the PPS Bulletin Board.

📩 Submit your entry through the official Google Forms link.
For questions, feel free to message our page.

Snap the symptom. Identify the disease. Slay the shot. 🌱📷



Submit your entry here! https://forms.gle/1RFS55GE7jm83qjRA

Belated happy birthday to our PPS adviser, Sir Oliver D. Balanban! 🎉

Thank you for your guidance, support, and dedication to the Phytopathological Society. Your mentorship continues to inspire us to grow in knowledge, leadership, and passion for plant pathology. We are grateful for your patience and encouragement in helping us become better students and future agriculturists.

Wishing you good health, success, and many more years of inspiring students. 🌱

🎄✨ You’re Invited! ✨🎄

The Phytopathological Society warmly invites all PPS members, alumni, and faculty to join us for our Year-End Party as we celebrate the season of gratitude, camaraderie, and shared achievements.

📅 December 18, 2025 (Thursday)
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 AC 106, College of Agriculture, Benguet State University

Let us come together to reconnect, share stories, and end the year with joy and good company. We look forward to celebrating with you! 🌿🎉