Officials and researchers of the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) led by director Dr. Barbara Caoili had a discussion meeting with DA-BAR OIC Director Joell Lales on the current developments on crop protection like the introduction of new technologies or applications to monitor, control, and manage particular crop diseases like corn fall armyworm, onion armyworm, fusarium wilt, and other economically important pests and diseases of major commodities.

During a courtesy visit to DA-BAR, Quezon City on 3 March 2023, NCPC director Caoili shared that NCPC is finding innovative ways related to biocontrol of pests and diseases to manage crop pests and partnering with concerned agencies in the most cost effective means.

OIC Lales encourages NCPC to develop cheaper but equally effective pest control solutions to make it affordable to farmers and other marginalized end-users. He added that good IEC materials are important to make the farmers understand how to use the technology.

Also in the meeting are technical staff of DA-BAR Chiqui Padullon, Rhea Desalesa, Apolonia Mendoza with Research Coordination Division Assistant Head Amavel Velasco and NCPC researchers Marita Pinili, Romalene Miras, Randolph Candano, Gideon Aries Burgonio, Daniel Alcaide and Deputy Director April Alviar.