The Banana and Cacao Diseases Management or the (BaCaDM) Project, a 5-year jointly collaborative project by the Central Luzon State University, Philippines, and Tamagawa University, Japan, successfully conducted the BaCaDM–SATREPS International Symposium on March 4, 2026, at Tamagawa University in Japan.
The event was spearheaded by the Chief Investigator of the project, Dr. Kyoko Watanabe, and co-organized by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) team headed by University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella.
Following a series of preparatory meetings among project partners, the symposium was successfully organized as part of the BaCaDM Project initiatives to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders working on banana and cacao disease management.
The symposium featured four sessions that focused on various topics related to the management of banana and cacao diseases. These sessions served as a platform for researchers, experts, and stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and developments related to plant disease management.
The event was attended by officials and representatives from various sectors and partner institutions. Among the distinguished guests was the Honorable Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan. Representatives from several partner institutions were also present, including the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry in the Philippines; the Strategic Planning and Development Center (NARO); the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; General Incorporated Association MJ-STeP; Unifrutti Japan Co., Ltd.; ABS Compliance Support Center; and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Also present were delegates from Japanese academic institutions, including Shizuoka University, Yokohama University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
The successful conduct of the BaCaDM–SATREPS International Symposium marks an important milestone for the BaCaDM Project as it continues to advance its objectives and promote international cooperation in plant disease research and management for banana and cacao.
#SievingForExcellence
