IPB to hold its first-ever International Plant Breeding Conference

The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) under the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) will hold its first-ever International Plant Breeding Conference (IPBC) on June 26 and 27, 2025 at The Manila Hotel, as part of its 50th founding anniversary celebration with the theme, "IPB Golden Jubilee: Celebrating Milestones, Innovating Pathways in Plant Breeding".

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The two-day scientific conference will bring together esteemed personalities, renowned international and local experts, researchers, academicians, industry leaders and representatives, agencies, and other partners involved in plant breeding research and development, plant germplasm conservation and utilization, and propagation of improved varieties. The event aims to foster collaborations, present emerging trends and recent breakthroughs in plant breeding and allied disciplines through knowledge exchange, and ignite discussions, be it opportunities and challenges, that will help shape the future of plant breeding globally, locally, and specifically for IPB for the next 50 years.

For presenters to have an enhanced understanding of plant breeding in the Philippine setting, the conference will be preceded by a two-day tour of IPB, IRRI, and East-West Seed Company as major players in the country’s plant breeding. The experts will provide keynote and thematic presentations.

For the first day, a keynote address will be delivered by Hon. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), while Dr. Howarth E. Bouis, 2016 World Food Prize Laureate and Emeritus Fellow of the International Food Policy Research Institute of CGIAR; Dr. David J. Mackill, Adjunct Professor from the University of California; Dr. Davis Jose X. Chaparro, Associate Professor from the University of Florida; and Dr. Rodel G. Maghirang, Scientist and former Director of IPB, will present innovative breeding for resilient, nutritious, and sustainable crops.