Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, Scientist I and Chief Science Research Specialist of the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division, is the recipient of the 2018 Regional Gawad Saka Award for Outstanding Agricultural Scientist in Central Luzon. He is known for his research in breeding rice varieties at PhilRice and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). His team led the development of the first released direct-wet seeded rice variety, NSIC Rc298, which is […]

  The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) will soon release a first of its kind, locally made two-in-one machine that can be used for land preparation and crop establishment. What’s the difference? Dr. Arnold S. Juliano, head of PhilRice Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division, said that the power tiller is a multi-purpose machine that can be used as a rotavator, transplanter, seeder, and a multi-seeder for those involved in multi-cropping. […]

PhilRice, in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), is developing healthier rice varieties like Golden Rice, to address vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and provide nutritious rice for Filipinos. According to Dr. Reynante Ordonio, Healthier Rice Project leader at PhilRice, Golden Rice has potential in improving human nutrition. “This new type of rice contains beta-carotene in its grain, which when ingested is converted to vitamin A depending on our […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) mourns the passing of its founding father, former Senator Edgardo Javier Angara, one of the country’s greatest statesmen. PhilRice records show that then UP System President Angara in early 1985 convened and led the committee that brainstormed the idea of establishing a national rice research center. “I think the Philippines took for granted the need to have our own research on rice because IRRI […]

The Philippine and Papua New Guinea (PNG) governments are collaborating to beef up their agriculture industry particularly their rice production system. A joint declaration to effect this partnership was signed by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and PNG Agriculture Minister Benny Allen with PH President Rodrigo Duterte and PNG Prime Minister Peter O’neill serving as witnesses at the Malacañang Palace, May 6. According to Piñol, the declaration stipulates that both countries […]

The Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has technologies in place to help lessen the impact of TRAIN law to the rice farmers. Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, PhilRice executive director, said yield-enhancing technologies such as machines, water management, and varieties are easily available for the rice growers to offset the P0.50 increase in the production cost of pump-dependent farmers. TRAIN or Tax Reform for Acceleration and […]

In December 2017, President Duterte signed Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Like any innovation, this reform comes with birth pains. But don’t fret! PhilRice has a set of technologies for affected farmers to ease the pain.    

Public hybrid rice will soon be easily available for Palawan farmers following a recent intensive training attended by the province’s agricultural workers. Marlon Montero, rice program project officer in Palawan, said that the province’s hybrid rice seeds were sourced out in other regions including Davao. “There is a risk in procuring the seeds away from Palawan knowing that this can negatively affect the germination rate. With our current efforts, we […]

Soil degradation is a quiet crisis; it exists but it is barely noticed as it happens slowly. With the current population of the world, which is about 7.3 billion and may reach up to 11 billion by 2050, the more frequent utilization of soil for food production is seen to degrade soil quality. According to Dr. Rattan Lal, soil scientist from Carbon Management and Sequestration Center, Ohio State University, soil […]

PhilRice soil scientists and researchers shone with three best paper awards at the 21st Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology (PSSST) Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Davao City, May 2-5. The event highlighted innovations in soil science for improved ecosystem. Under the Senior Category, Jayvee A. Cruz, Josef Mikhail R. Bautista, Editha V. Evangelista, Alexandra R. Agpaoa, Jonathan M. Niones, Trinidad C. Fernando, Roel R. Suralta, and […]