Lilian Pateña and Simeona Siar

Lilian and Simeona are carrying out research on Philippine indigenous orchids. They are mass-producing and conserving these orchids for distribution locally and internationally. Subsequently the planting material they produce will be used to contribute to replenishing orchids in their natural habitats.

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Modern plant breeding in the Philippines began in 1914 with the varietal improvement of rice and corn. From 1945-47, a plant breeding division was created under the Department of Agronomy of the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA). Starting 1960, breeding expanded to cover more crops and called for closer collaboration among plant breeders and scientists of allied disciplines.

On June 5, 1975, the Institute of Plant Breeding was established under the College of Agriculture at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (CAP-UPLB). It is the national breeding centre for all crops, except rice.

FUNCTIONS

*Develop new and improved varieties of dryland crops.
*Conduct studies in plant breeding and allied disciplines related to crop improvement.
*Collect, introduce, preserve, and maintain germplasm of important and potentially useful agricultural and horticultural crops.
*Assist other agencies in multiplying quality seeds and vegetative materials of recommended crop varieties.
*Promote the wide scale utilization of IPB varieties and ensure that seeds are made available to small farmers.