Manila, Feb. 11 -- The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) on Wednesday underscored the importance of the role of women and the youth in advancing a smart and innovative agriculture landscape in the Philippines as it commemorates its 96th founding anniversary.

"This anniversary calls us to look ahead towards stronger institutions, smarter systems, and a more inclusive agriculture sector where women and youth share a shaping in the future of growth and innovation," BPI Director Glenn Panganiban said in his speech.

With this year's theme of "Buhayin, Payabungin, Ingatan: Pagkilala sa Kontribusyon ng Kababaihan at Kabataan sa Paghahalaman para sa Masaganang Kinabukasan," Panganiban stressed that the Philippines continues to thrive not just beca...