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Draft:National Crop Protection Center

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The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) is the Philippines’ national institution for crop protection and pest management research, training, and extension.[1][2][3] It was established on May 19, 1976, through Presidential Decree No. 936 issued by then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos, expanding upon the former Rodent Research Center founded in 1968.[1][3] NCPC is also one of the research centers of the College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Banos.[4]

Through the efforts of Minister of Agriculture Arturo R. Tanco Jr., UPLB Chancellor Abelardo B. Samonte, College of Agriculture Dean Cledualdo B. Perez Jr., and founding Director Fernando F. Sanchez, the NCPC evolved into a comprehensive center dedicated to integrated pest management. Its establishment and early operations were supported by funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Agriculture, which also provided scholarships and facilitated the creation of Regional Crop Protection Centers across the country.[5]

The Presidential Decree No. 936 sets out NCPC's functions: conducting research on pest control for major crops, training manpower, providing information and extension services, linking research with field operations, and advising policy makers. The Decree appropriated ₱3 million to UPLB for 1977 to fund the National Crop Protection Center, with future allocations to be included in the Department of Agriculture’s annual budget, while the Bureau of Plant Industry’s regional centers would receive funding through the regular national budget process.[1]

Functions

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According to Presidential Decree No. 936, the following are the functions of the NCPC[1]:

  1. To undertake problem analyses, development research and planning required to develop crop protection system against pests of major economic crops.
  2. To develop and implement manpower training program designed to upgrade the pool of manpower's required to meet the complex pest control needs of the country.
  3. To undertake information exchange and extension to provide farmers and the public with coordinated information about the varied facets of pest control and to emphasize the urgent need for safe and effective pest control practices.
  4. To establish adequate linkage between research and operational phases at the farm level in order to ensure that the changing research needs for operational activities are based on the most recent and applicable research findings.
  5. To provide scientific advice to government planners for the formulation of policies and regulatory programs necessary for dealing with the complex pest control technologies essential for the protection of crops.

Divisions

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NCPC is comprised of Divisions that focus on certain research fields and other activities [6]:

I. Plant Biosecurity Division

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The Plant Biosecurity Division develops research on pest and disease risk assessment, modeling and simulation, surveillance, quarantine support, and surveys. As a national center for pest and disease research, it prioritizes farmer-friendly and climate-resilient pest management technologies that integrate modern tools and historical data.

II. Pest Management Division

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The Pest Management Division conducts research and develops solutions for managing insect pests, plant pathogens, weeds, and rodents. It advances safe and sustainable crop protection technologies that reduce pesticide use, support Good Agricultural Practices, and strengthen food security and trade competitiveness. Some focus areas include pest biology, molecular crop protection, biological control, disease diagnostics, insect genetics and resistance, as well as other molecular and biotechnological studies.

III. Pesticide Management Division

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The Pesticide Management Division conducts research on chemical control and management, including pesticide residue analysis, ecotoxicology, and dietary and occupational risk assessments. It also leads capacity-building and information programs that promote the judicious use of pesticides and raise awareness about pesticide residues. The Division is known for the Pesticide Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory.

IV. Public Service Division

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The Public Service Division manages the center's extension and information services, including training programs, publications, exhibits, study tours, seminars, database and website management, and other activities that promote crop protection knowledge and public engagement.

Research Studies

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Fall Armworm Infestation

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NCPC investigated the identification, biology, distribution, and biological control of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in the Philippines. In 2019, fall armyworm was first detected in several provinces through larval morphological traits and documented its spread across major corn-growing areas.[7] Researchers further described its complete life cycle on corn, noting high fecundity and the presence of several natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators that help regulate its population.[8] In 2023, it was further demonstrated that the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi effectively infected and caused high mortality in third-instar larvae, showing strong potential as a biological control agent. In addition, NCPC researchers evaluated commercial sex pheromone lures and homemade traps in Los Baños, Laguna, and found them effective for monitoring male fall armyworm populations, offering practical tools for early pest detection and management.[9] Together, these findings provide a foundation for developing sustainable management strategies against this invasive pest in the country.[10]

Coconut Scale Insect or "Cocolisap" Outbreak

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In the mid-2010s, NCPC entomologists through the leadership of Mario Navasero investigated the outbreak of the coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus rigidus) in Laguna and Quezon, Philippines comparing infestation severity across sites with different topographies and cropping systems. Results showed that neonicotinoid insecticides—especially via trunk injection—were most effective, while a naturally occurring black encyrtid parasitoid achieved up to 80% parasitization, indicating strong potential for biological control.[11] They also collaborated in a study to explore natural predators of this pest. They found that the parasitoid Comperiella calauanica played a key role in controlling coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus rigidus) outbreaks in both Southern Tagalog and Zamboanga Peninsula, with high parasitization rates leading to major population declines within one to two years. These results highlight biological control as the most effective management strategy, underscoring the need to maintain regional rearing facilities for rapid response to future infestations.[12]

Various Crop Diseases

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NCPC plant pathologists have made significant efforts to understand and manage crop diseases in the Philippines through integrated and science-based approaches. In 2024, Pinili collaborated to investigate cassava witches’ broom disease, identifying potential pathogens associated with the disorder and providing crucial insights into its complex etiology.[13] Building on this, they successfully isolated and identified Rhizoctonia theobromae as one of the causal agents, deepening understanding of the disease and supporting the development of targeted management strategies.[14] In another collaborative work, researchers addressed root-knot nematode infestation in tomatoes by screening local varieties for resistance using molecular markers and biochemical assays, offering a foundation for breeding resistant cultivars.[15]

Meanwhile, NCPC plant pathologists Montecalvo, Mendoza and colleagues (2022, 2023) focused on postharvest diseases of mango, a major Philippine export crop. Their 2022 study explored the diversity of endophytic fungi and their interactions with Lasiodiplodia theobromae, the pathogen responsible for stem-end rot[16], while their 2023 work demonstrated that calcium salts effectively reduce postharvest fungal infections, providing a safer alternative to chemical fungicides.[17] Together, these studies reflect a multidisciplinary effort to combat plant diseases—from molecular diagnostics and pathogen identification to eco-friendly control methods. By linking pathogen biology with practical management, these researchers collectively contribute to strengthening crop resilience, reducing losses, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Philippines.

Entomopathogenic Fungi

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NCPC plant pathologists and entomologists, led by Montecalvo evaluated fungi such as Metarhizium rileyi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against major lepidopteran pests in Philippine agriculture. For example, in the case of the onion armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), infection with M. rileyi achieved 73-100 % larval mortality under lab conditions.[18] For the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), she compared the virulence of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae and found higher efficacy of B. bassiana.[19] In another study, she assessed infection of the paddy armyworm (Mythimna separata) across egg through pupal stages using the three fungi, finding that M. rileyi at high conidial concentrations induced up to ~70 % larval mortality.[20]

Pesticide Residues

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NCPC chemists have published toxicology studies of many pesticides, including their impact on non-target organisms.[21][22][23] Other studies also highlighted their contamination and fate in the environment. In one study, they found that pesticide use in farms near the Lucban River and Salasad Creek in the Laguna de Bay watershed led to contamination of surface waters, with malathion and profenofos detected at levels exceeding WHO guidelines.[24]

Other studies focused on the use of rapid detection methods. In a study, NCPC researchers used the Rapid Bioassay for Pesticide Residues (RBPR) to screen 443 vegetable samples from Southern Luzon in the late 2010s and found that 15.8% contained organophosphate or carbamate residues, with higher positivity in conventional than in organic-labeled produce.[25] The detection of residues even in organic-labeled vegetables suggests possible mislabeling or non-compliance with organic standards, underscoring the need for stricter monitoring, farmer education, and adherence to pre-harvest intervals to protect consumer health.

NCPC researchers also developed its own rapid colorimetric detection kit for pesticide residues[26], which revealed significant levels of pesticide contamination in organic-labelled vegetables collected from markets in Laguna, Quezon, Benguet, and Metro Manila—raising concerns about the integrity of organic labelling.[27]

Surveillance of Emerging Pests

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Cayabyab and colleagues (2019) documented the nationwide surveillance and rapid response efforts against new and emerging crop pests in the Philippines, including the detection and management of invasive species such as the fall armyworm and coconut scale insect.[7] Through coordinated monitoring, field diagnostics, and management interventions, the researchers provided essential data for early warning systems and strengthened the country's capacity for pest outbreak response.

Molecular Studies in Crop Protection

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Guerrero and colleagues advanced insect pest identification in the Philippines through molecular and morphological studies. Their 2024 research used DNA barcoding to clarify species and subspecies differentiation in Locusta migratoria manilensis, providing insights valuable for pest monitoring and management. In a related study, Guerrero and collaborators identified Spodoptera pecten as a new armyworm record for Luzon Island, expanding the country's documented pest fauna and contributing to improved diagnostic and control strategies.[28][28]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "P.D. No. 936". lawphil.net. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  2. ^ "Meeting with NCPC-CAFS (December 13, 2022)". Official Portal of the Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  3. ^ a b "Home · NCPC". NCPC. Retrieved 2025-11-02.
  4. ^ "UPLB - Research Centers". UPLB. Archived from the original on 2025-08-03. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  5. ^ "NCPC at a Glance". NCPC.
  6. ^ "Units/Divisions · NCPC". NCPC. Archived from the original on 2025-08-07. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  7. ^ a b Navasero, Mario V.; Navasero, Marcela M.; Burgonio, Gideon Aries S.; Ardez, Karen P.; Ebuenga, Melvin D.; Beltran, Marie Joy B.; Bato, Maeden B.; Gonzales, Pablito G.; Magsino, Gil L.; Caoili, Barbara L.; Barrion-Dupo, Aimee Lynn A.; Aquino, Minda Flor G.M. (December 2019). "DETECTION OF THE FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) USING LARVAL MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, AND OBSERVATIONS ON ITS CURRENT LOCAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES". The Philippine Entomologist - Volume 33 Issue 2. 33 (2). doi:10.59852/tpe-a688v33i2.
  8. ^ Navasero, Mario; Navasero, Marcela (2020). "Life cycle, morphometry and natural enemies of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Zea mays L. in the Philippines". Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences.
  9. ^ Antonio, Enoch Joshua; Burgonio, Gideon Aries; Candano, Randolph; Manuben, John Julius (February 2025). "Field Evaluation of Commercial Sex Pheromone Lures and Home-made Traps for Monitoring of Male Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Los Baños, Laguna, the Philippines". Philippine Journal of Science. 154 (1). doi:10.56899/154.01.15. ISSN 0031-7683.
  10. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Navasero, Marcela (2020-11-09). "Metarhizium (=Nomuraea) rileyi (Farlow) Samson from Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) Cross Infects Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae". Philippine Journal of Science. 150 (1). doi:10.56899/150.01.16. ISSN 0031-7683.
  11. ^ "Situation analysis and development of methods for damage assessment and insecticide bioefficacy for the cococnut scale insect". The Philippine Entomologist. 2014.
  12. ^ "Biological Control: A Major Component of the Pest Management Program for the Invasive Coconut Scale Insect, Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne, in the Philippines". Insects. 2020.
  13. ^ Landicho, Darwin Magsino; Montañez, Ray Jerome Mojica; Camagna, Maurizio; Neang, Sokty; Bulasag, Abriel Salaria; Magdaraog, Peter Magan; Sato, Ikuo; Takemoto, Daigo; Maejima, Kensaku; Pinili, Marita Sanfuego; Chiba, Sotaro (2024-07-15). "Status of Cassava Witches' Broom Disease in the Philippines and Identification of Potential Pathogens by Metagenomic Analysis". Biology. 13 (7): 522. doi:10.3390/biology13070522. ISSN 2079-7737. PMC 11273669. PMID 39056715.
  14. ^ Landicho, Darwin M.; Montañez, Ray Jerome M.; Manayon, Vicky S.; Sendaydiego, Ma Kristina Yzabelle C.; Gaylo, Jestoni O.; Dimayacyac, Amor C.; Sato, Ikuo; Takemoto, Daigo; Pinili, Marita S.; Chiba, Sotaro (November 2025). "Detection, isolation, and identification of Rhizoctonia theobromae associated with cassava witches' broom disease in the Philippines". Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology. 140 102872. Bibcode:2025PMPP..14002872L. doi:10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102872. ISSN 0885-5765.
  15. ^ Lizardo, Roden Carlo M.; Pinili, Marita S.; Diaz, Maria Genaleen Q.; Cumagun, Christian Joseph R. (2022-05-19). "Screening for Resistance in Selected Tomato Varieties against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita in the Philippines Using a Molecular Marker and Biochemical Analysis". Plants. 11 (10): 1354. Bibcode:2022Plnts..11.1354L. doi:10.3390/plants11101354. ISSN 2223-7747. PMC 9147681. PMID 35631779.
  16. ^ Dwiastuti, M E; Aji, T G (2021-04-01). "Citrus stem rot disease (Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griff. & Maubl) problem and their control strategy in Indonesia". IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 752 (1): 012030. Bibcode:2021E&ES..752a2030D. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/752/1/012030. ISSN 1755-1307.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link)
  17. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Mendoza, Mary Joy; Dalisay, Teresita (2023-09-01). "Disease-reducing Effect of Calcium Salts Against Postharvest Diseases of Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Carabao) Fruits". The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 106 (3): 253–262. doi:10.62550/gh076022. ISSN 0031-7454.
  18. ^ "Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi (Farl.) Samson on the Third Instar Larvae of the Onion Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under Laboratory Conditions". Philippine Agricultural Scientist.
  19. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Navasero, Marcela (June 2021). "Comparative virulence of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin to Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)". Journal of ISSAAS. 27 (1).
  20. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Navasero, Marcela (March 2023). "Susceptibility of Pre-adult Biological Stages of Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Three Entomopathogenic Fungi (Hypocreales)". The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 106 (1): 7–14. doi:10.62550/HP085022.
  21. ^ Tejada, A. W.; Varca, L. M.; Ocampo, P.; Bajet, C. M.; Magallona, E. D. (January 1993). "Fate and residues of pesticides in rice production". International Journal of Pest Management. 39 (3): 281–287. doi:10.1080/09670879309371806. ISSN 0967-0874.
  22. ^ Calumpang, S. M. F.; Medina, M. J. B.; Tejada, A. W.; Medina, J. R. (1997-06-01). "Toxicity of Chlorpyrifos, Fenubucarb, Monocrotophos, and Methyl Parathion to Fish and Frogs After a Simulated Overflow of Paddy Water". Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 58 (6): 909–914. Bibcode:1997BuECT..58..909C. doi:10.1007/s001289900420. ISSN 0007-4861. PMID 9136653.
  23. ^ Biology of the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the Philippines. The Philippine Association of Entomologists, Inc. doi:10.59852/tpe-a297v8i2.
  24. ^ Varca, Leonila M. (April 2012). "Pesticide residues in surface waters of Pagsanjan-Lumban catchment of Laguna de Bay, Philippines". Agricultural Water Management. 106: 35–41. Bibcode:2012AgWM..106...35V. doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2011.08.006. ISSN 0378-3774.
  25. ^ Manuben, John Julius; Sarmiento, Jasper; Bajet, Cristina (2022-03-09). "Rapid Screening of Pesticide Residues in Organic-labeled and Conventional Vegetables in Southern Luzon, Philippines and Its Implication on Food Safety". Philippine Journal of Science. 151 (3). doi:10.56899/151.03.05. ISSN 0031-7683.
  26. ^ News, G. M. A. (2024-11-22). "Philippine National Biotechnology Week goes to UPLB". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-11-01. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ Sarmiento, Jasper. "MONITORING OF ORGANIC VEGETABLES IN SELECTED MARKETS IN LAGUNA, QUEZON, BENGUET, AND METRO MANILA USING THE RAPID TEST KIT (RTK) FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  28. ^ a b Guerrero, Michelle S.; Cayabyab, Bonifacio F. (2024-03-22). "DNA Barcoding of Locusta migratoria manilensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Reveals Insights into the Species and Subspecies Differentiation". Journal of Entomological Science. 59 (2). doi:10.18474/jes23-36. ISSN 0749-8004.
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