Historic first: Filipino Gerald Glenn Panganiban joins global plant protection leadership

In a groundbreaking achievement for Philippine agriculture, Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D. has been appointed as the first-ever Filipino to join the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) Bureau, representing the Asia region. His tenure will officially begin after the 19th CPM meeting in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s role in global plant health and agricultural sustainability.

As part of the CPM Bureau, Director Panganiban will join an exclusive group of seven distinguished members from around the world, tasked with shaping international policies on phytosanitary measures. His role will involve providing strategic leadership, overseeing financial and operational management, and advancing the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) work program in Asia. With this appointment, he is set to play a crucial role in strengthening international cooperation and protecting global plant health.

Director Panganiban’s expertise in plant health regulations and international trade standards has long positioned him as a key figure in the field. Since 2021, he has been a member of the CPM Standards Committee (SC), where he has helped oversee the development of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). These standards are essential in ensuring safe trade practices and preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases worldwide.

A global body for plant protection

The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) serves as the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Meeting annually at the FAO headquarters in Rome, the CPM brings together contracting parties, international organizations, and relevant stakeholders to promote global cooperation in plant protection.

The commission plays a vital role in reviewing the state of plant protection across the world, identifying actions to control the spread of pests into new areas, and developing international standards to safeguard agricultural trade. It is also responsible for establishing dispute resolution procedures, adopting guidelines for recognizing regional plant protection organizations, and strengthening collaboration with key international bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

In addition to policymaking, CPM meetings often include scientific sessions focused on critical issues affecting global plant health. Past discussions have examined topics such as pest movements through food aid shipments and the impact of climate change on the spread of invasive alien species.

A distinguished career in agriculture and plant health

Director Panganiban’s appointment to the CPM Bureau is a testament to his extensive expertise and leadership in plant health regulations and sustainable agriculture. A licensed agriculturist, he has undergone advanced training in WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and risk management, equipping him with a deep understanding of global trade standards. His career has been defined by a strong commitment to international cooperation, having managed and participated in numerous capacity-building initiatives under the FAO, WTO, and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

His tenure in public service spans nearly two decades. He began his career as a Plant Quarantine Officer at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in 2005, later becoming Assistant Chief of the BPI's National Plant Quarantine Services (NPQS) Division from 2017 to 2018. In 2019, he took on a more prominent leadership role as Assistant Director of the BPI, eventually being appointed Officer-in-Charge Director from 2022 to 2023. He is also the current Director of the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) and the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) at the DA, overseeing initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and food security.

Beyond his professional experience, Director Panganiban holds an impressive academic background. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2003, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Management from Ateneo de Manila University in 2008. His pursuit of further expertise led him to Korea University, where he completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Administration in 2022.