DA-BPI Hosts 2009 Garden Show and Plant Clinic

Varieties of cutflowers and ornamentals exhibits on the First 2009 Garden Show and Plant Clinic held in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental are shown in pictures.

To foster close relationship among stakeholders, clients and plant enthusiasts, the Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Service (DA-BPI-PQS) hosted the first 2009 Garden Show and Plant Clinic in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

According to Mr. Jessie S. Horvidalla, OIC-Plant Quarantine Officer of Bacolod Port, the week-long garden show started Monday, January 5, 2009. It showcased the best cutflowers, foliage and ornamentals of top gardeners of Negros Occidental.

"We organized this free garden show to develop and promote the cutflower industry in this province," Mr. Horvi-dalla said.

"The PQS major clients are cutflower and foliage exporters, ornamental growers, orchard farmers and fruit traders," added Horvidalla.

Lea P. Gella, OIC-Chief, PQS-Region 6 revealed the DA-BPI-PQS plans to put up laboratory services in Bacolod City to cater to the needs of plant and plant-by-products exporters.

This will enhance quality and surety of plant exports free from pests and diseases.

"We will also build a treatment house and a holding house use to treat plant and plant-by-products before shipment and serve as observation area for plants intercepted at the port of entry," she added.

Activities of the PQS garden show were: Lecture on PQS awareness and services; PQS New Building Inauguration; Orchard Development, Rehabilitation Program and Plant Clinic; Developing Plants for Landscape and Organic Cooking With Herbs; and Gardeners’ Fellowship.

Members of the Negros Occidental Garden Club, Orchid Society and Panaad Gardeners participated in the garden show. (Pictures & text by James Earl E. Ogatis) /MP