15th Quarantine Regulators Meeting

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The 15th Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM) was successfully held from April 28 to May 2, 2025, at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Manila, Philippines, drawing a strong international and national presence. The event was attended by 64 on-site international delegates, 34 virtual participants, and 30 regional and area managers of the Philippine Plant Quarantine Service, representing a total of 30 countries. This five-day gathering provided an important platform for phytosanitary regulators, technical experts, and plant health authorities to share knowledge, align strategies, and strengthen global and regional cooperation in plant biosecurity. The opening day was dedicated to Industry Day, highlighting the innovations and contributions of Philippine stakeholders to the national and global biosecurity landscape. Mr. Darwin Landicho of the Bureau of Plant Industry – National Plant Quarantine Services Division (BPI-NPQSD) shared the latest updates on the Phytosanitary Diagnosis program, focusing on enhanced diagnostic protocols and laboratory capabilities crucial for early detection of plant pests and diseases. Mr. William Mugot introduced the Mobile Plant Food Safety Laboratory, a portable facility that allows for real-time food safety and plant health testing in remote or field locations—an innovation that has the potential to enhance on-site decision-making and quarantine enforcement. Representatives from the Philippine Association of Plant Field Inspectors (PAPFI) and the Philippine Association of Chemical Products for Agriculture (PACPA) also presented updates on regulatory compliance and advancements in the safe use of agrochemicals. The day underscored the Philippines' proactive approach to strengthening its biosecurity systems and fostering public-private sector collaboration. The second day was devoted to the Technical Working Group meeting of the International Cooperation on Chemical and Biological Applications (ICCBA). Discussions focused on the implementation of the Methyl Bromide methodology; a critical phytosanitary measure used in quarantine treatments. The working group deliberated on methodological updates, safety concerns, environmental considerations, and alternative treatments. After constructive discussions, the group reached a consensus on the next areas of focus for future collaborative work, which will guide technical efforts in harmonizing fumigation standards globally. In the evening, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of Australia graciously hosted a welcome dinner for delegates. This social event allowed participants to network and engage with fellow regulators and stakeholders in an informal and culturally enriching setting. The third day of the meeting featured a technical and cultural field tour to Lucban, Quezon, offering participants a glimpse into Philippine agricultural practices and hospitality. A stop at KOPIA (Korea Program on International Agriculture), where delegates were warmly received by the Lucban Tourism Office and local KOPIA staff. The visit highlighted ongoing international cooperation in agricultural innovation and community engagement. Lunch at Bukid Amara, a scenic agri-tourism site offering panoramic views of Mt. Banahaw. Delegates were treated to a variety of traditional Filipino dishes, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. A tour of Insular Botanicals, a key exporter of ornamental plants, where participants observed sustainable production techniques and phytosanitary protocols in practice. The day concluded with a festive and cultural experience through a traditional “Naay Po” ceremony, where delegates had the opportunity to taste the locally celebrated lambanog (coconut wine), an iconic product of Quezon Province. This day not only fostered camaraderie among participants but also allowed them to appreciate the cultural context in which Philippine quarantine services operate. The fourth day marked the formal opening of the Quarantine Regulators Meeting. Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) officially welcomed all delegates, expressing the Philippines’ continued commitment to advancing plant biosecurity through international collaboration. Ms. Anna Brezo, Acting First Assistant Secretary of the Compliance & Enforcement Division of DAFF Australia, followed with an inspiring address. She emphasized the importance of collective action in safeguarding plant health in the face of global trade and climate challenges. The rest of the day was filled with technical sessions, where speakers from various countries presented updates on quarantine protocols, pest risk analysis, treatment methods, and regional trends. These sessions featured engaging exchanges of ideas, technical questions, and best practices, reflecting the rich experience and diversity of the participants. The final day continued with the remaining technical presentations. Among the notable speakers was: from BPI-NPQSD, who presented the Overview of the Sea Container Survey in the Philippines. His discussion centered on the risks posed by sea containers as vectors of plant pests, and how the Philippines has implemented surveillance and risk mitigation strategies to address this global concern. The meeting concluded with expressions of appreciation from the host country and partners, acknowledging the successful exchange of knowledge and reaffirming commitments to future collaboration.

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