Batanes State College (BSC) co-hosts the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) National Scientific Congress 2025 and International Forum on Agri-Future, kicking off today, July 22, 2025. The ISSAAS Philippines organizes the event, in partnership with Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) as the host institution.
The congress, themed “Agri-Future for Green Innovations and Sustainability,” runs until July 24 in a hybrid setup at the Baler Convention Center. BSC joins a distinguished group of co-organizers including Occidental Mindoro State College, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, SEAMEO BIOTROP, the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA), the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Aurora, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Aurora.
Ahead of the congress opening, BSC officials yesterday, July 21, conducted a courtesy call and official visit to ASCOT President, Dr. Renato G. Reyes, where they presented him with a token of gratitude.
BSC College President, Dr. Djovi R. Durante, delivered welcome remarks at the congress’ opening, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions.
The congress provides a vital platform for researchers, faculty, students, and industry leaders to discuss critical topics like food systems, climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology, and rural development. Participants will engage in plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, and educational visits. The International Forum on Agri-Future, a program highlight, convenes global experts to address emerging trends and challenges in agricultural innovation and sustainability, fostering new ideas and strengthening collaborative research.
BSC’s intellectual contributions feature prominently with two research presentations. Mr. Romel A. Raterta presents “Community-driven Definition of Production Systems and Breeding Objectives of Batanes Native Pig.” Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Warlito Tomas Jr. presents “Understanding Natural Farming and Climate-Smart Agriculture in Batanes: A Focus Group Discussion to Profile Local Farmers, Assess their Needs and Evaluate their Knowledge and Practices.” These presentations underscore BSC’s dedication to impactful, locally relevant agricultural research.
Several key BSC officials also attended the event including Leobert L. Banzali, Director for Research and Development, Extension and Training; Ms. Romina Katrina B. Bernardo, Director for Administrative and Finance Services; Daryl Alva B. Duguran, Director for Internationalization and External Linkages; Ms. Xina Vinalay, Agriculture Department Chairperson; and Mark Angelo Z. Redondo, Research and Extension Coordinator of the Agriculture Department, highlighting BSC’s ongoing dedication to learning and collaboration.