The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) was created on June 5, 1975 by virtue of Presidential Decree 729. It was established under the then College of Agriculture (now the College of Agriculture and Food Science), University of the Philippines Los Banos. Two years later, P.D. 1046-A established within IPB the National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory (NPGRL) as the national center for germplasm collection and maintenance of important and potentially useful agricultural crops. Since then, IPB has been in the forefront of plant breeding research and applications. With the enactment of R.A. 7308, otherwise known as the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, IPB was identified as the lead agency for crop biotechnology research.

MANDATES

By virtue of Presidential Decree 729, IPB is mandated to:

(a) Develop new and improved varieties of important agricultural crops;
(b) Undertake investigations in plant breeding and allied disciplines related to crop improvement;
(c) Systematically collect, introduce, preserve and maintain a germplasm bank of important and potentially useful agricultural crops; and
(d) Assist other agencies in the multiplication of quality seeds and vegetative materials of recommended crop varieties

MISSION

To strengthen plant breeding works in the Philippines, support the intensified production of major crops, and conserve plant genetic resources

VISION

To be a leading institute in the development of crop varieties in the Philippines and Southeast Asia