By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, a new symbol of progress now stands tall—a modern seed testing building that promises to support thousands of Bangsamoro farmers in producing better, stronger crops.
On October 15, 2025, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) formally inaugurated the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) building inside the Integrated Agricultural Research Center (BARMMIARC) compound in Nuling, Simuay. The facility is the first of its kind in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), marking a major milestone in the region’s effort to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity.
A Long-Awaited Dream for Farmers
For years, many farmers in the Bangsamoro region have struggled with low-quality seeds, which directly affect harvest and income. With the opening of the NSQCS building, local farmers will now have access to certified, high-quality seeds that have been properly tested for germination, varietal purity, and viability.
“This is a chapter of triumph,” said Omara M. Kempa, Chief of BPI-NSQCS for BARMM and Region XII. She thanked the Department of Agriculture, the BPI, and the BARMM government for helping turn this vision into reality.
Science-Backed Farming for a Better Future
The two-storey building is equipped with modern laboratories and tools for seed testing and quality control. BPI Assistant Director Ruel C. Gesmundo, who also heads the NSQCS, said the facility will serve stakeholders across the region, ensuring only quality seeds reach the hands of farmers.
“Quality seeds are the foundation of a productive and climate-resilient agriculture sector,” added BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D. “This building is a symbol of our long-term commitment to the farmers of BARMM.”
Aside from testing seeds, the NSQCS-BARMM facility will also help conserve traditional and heirloom seed varieties that are part of the cultural identity of the Bangsamoro people. These unique varieties, passed down through generations, can thrive in local environments and serve as a source of pride and food security for future generations.
Seeds of Autonomy and Sustainability
Undersecretary Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, who serves as Undersecretary for BARMM and Mindanao Concerns, called the new building a “seed of autonomy and heritage.” He stressed that preserving local seed varieties is essential to the region’s self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
The Department of Agriculture–PhilRice Midsayap also expressed its support. Director Sailila E. Abdula, Ph.D., said the new facility will help improve rice productivity and create more opportunities for seed growers in BARMM, especially in challenging environments such as marshlands.
Local officials, including MAFAR’s Research and Development Director Tong Abas, emphasized the need to increase the use of certified seeds and expand the number of accredited seed growers in the region. Currently, only 30% of BARMM’s rice-producing land is irrigated, making access to quality seeds even more important.
Building a Stronger Agricultural Sector
The new NSQCS building offers seed testing, germination analysis, and varietal purity verification—all crucial services to ensure that what farmers plant will result in a good harvest. With this facility, the region takes a big step toward more reliable food production and higher incomes for farming families.
More than just a building, the NSQCS-BARMM facility represents hope, self-reliance, and a brighter future for Bangsamoro agriculture. Through continued support from national and local agencies, the farmers of BARMM are now better equipped to feed their communities and strengthen the region’s economy.
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