SUBIC FREEPORT ZONE — Agriculture Secretary Franciso P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. inaugurated Tuesday the new office of the Bureau of Plant Industry National Plant Quarantine Services Division, a pivotal step in enhancing the country’s agricultural biosecurity and addressing potential risks posed by plant pests and diseases.

Secretary Tiu Laurel said the establishment of the facility underscores government’s robust commitment in protecting the agriculture sector, the livelihood of millions of Filipinos and ensuring food safety and security.

“Today, we’re making substantial progress towards ensuring the well-being of our agriculture sector and the prosperity of our farmers,” the DA chief said.

The new office, while modest in size, is strategically located in Subic Freeport—a burgeoning trade and logistics hub. The location will enhance the effectiveness of border control measures and improve the country’s capacity to manage agricultural risks.

“The establishment of this new office holds significant importance due to its position as a prominent center for trade and logistics,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

He highlighted the critical role of plant quarantine services in maintaining food security and supporting farmers. The introduction of pests and diseases can have severe economic repercussions, and this new facility aims to address these challenges effectively.

Eduardo Jose Alino, chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, welcomed the new BPI quarantine office which, he said, will assure trading partners that go through the country’s sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. “Rest assured that the SBMA will assist your (DA) in whatever possible way we can,” he said.

BPI director Gerard Glenn Panganiban said having a physical office in Subic Freeport facilitates the quarantine process and hastens trading activity while ensuring biosecurity of incoming commodities through the freeport.

Panganiban said BPI will collaborate with SBMA to pursue development plans that, among others, will help in the “food security in the locality.”

Panganiban said the P2 million project started in 2018 but was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction resumed in 2022.

Sec Tiu Laurel outlined plans for expanding the facility’s capabilities to tackle future issues, including securing additional land for future needs. He assured that BPI office in Subic Freeport symbolizes a broader commitment to high standards of plant health and biosecurity, extending its impact to farms, fields, and communities nationwide.

The new quarantine office is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s agricultural resources and ensuring a stable and secure food supply for future generations.