Officials and employees of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) must focus on their work and not dwell on accusations made by the agency’s detractors, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said.
Alcala also told officials and employees of the attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that they need to exert their “best effort” to achieve the targets set by the Aquino administration.
“If we liken our work to a basketball game, we would be in the last quarter. We should not be complacent then,” he said in his speech during the 85th anniversary celebration of BPI on Wednesday.
“I know that mudslinging has negatively affected the morale of BPI workers. But don’t be disheartened; there will come a time when the truth shall prevail and everyone will know that their allegations are wrong,” Alcala added.
He said the BPI has played a significant role in developing the agriculture sector, particularly in increasing production of plant and plant-based commodities. Through the efforts of the BPI, he said, the government has proved that the country is capable of producing better planting stocks to meet production targets, as well as to clinch the export market.
“We also cannot discount the frontline role of the BPI in preventing the entry of pests and diseases. We thank your employees who control our borders against threats to our plant industry; hence, helping us to maintain safe domestic food supply and good reputation in the international market,” Alcala added. He said the BPI has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships with private organizations like Nestlé Philippines, as well as initiatives in organic and Good Agricultural Practices certifications of farmers.
“These have been very useful tools in increasing export-market potential for Philippine plant-based products,” he said.
Alcala said he hopes that the BPI will continue to conform to the principles of delivering good and efficient service to its clientele and the agency will be prepared to sustain its efforts even after the term of President Aquino.
The National Bureau of Investigation earlier filed charges against former BPI Director Clarito M. Barron and other officials of the bureau and a number of importers for their alleged participation in the manipulation of local garlic prices.