“Ready or not, tell yourself to jump.” When her husband passed away more than 10 years ago, Kathryn Barroga, was only left with one choice – oversee their 5-ha farm while taking care of her two children, then aged 19 and 12 years old.  Kathryn, a physical therapist by profession, spent her childhood on a rice farm. Despite being exposed to farm life, her parents prioritized her education and discouraged […]

The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research (DA-PhilRice) is now ready to distribute 4.27 million bags (20kg/bag) of certified inbred rice seeds, expanding its program coverage from 42 to 77 provinces within all rice-producing regions in the country. Jointly funded by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program and the DA’s National Rice Program (NRP) with P3 billion and P700 million, respectively, the certified inbred rice seed distribution […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) is set to launch a new online learning platform on the RCEF Extension Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RCEFEx) on March 8. Called RCEF PalayAralan, the program will be a magazine-type show for online farmer-viewers with topics on rice production, rice machines, and RCEF services in seed distribution, credit, machinery, and training. Segments will be in the form of “Rice Balita,” which reports news and updates; “Rice […]

Farmers from the outskirts of San Marcelino, Zambales have reported significant gains in rice farming after becoming recipients of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Cristito Ancheta, 44, said his yield doubled as a result of using the certified seeds he received from the program. “I was surprised that my harvest jumped from 3t/ha to 6t/ha. I sold half of it and earned a gross income of around […]

PalaySikatan, a technology demonstration under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement (RCEF) Fund Seed Program, has helped farmers improve their farm practices by introducing new rice varieties. Dexter Bacaniwas had been satisfied with NSIC Rc 480, his constant for more than two years. “I was not interested in shifting to the new varieties I heard from my fellow farmers because Rc 480 is drought-resistant, high-quality, and consistently performs well,” he said.  A […]

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) here launched the rice paddy art of the FiLay loveteam of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, Feb. 23 at the FutureRice Farm. In an effort to increase rice appreciation among the youth, over 100 transplanters including Grade 5 and 6 students from Maligaya Elementary School, took part in the initiative. “This is the children’s first experience […]

Anchored on the Institute’s mandate, DA-PhilRice continues to ensure that gender and development (GAD) is integrated in its new strategic plan to be implemented from 2023 to 2028. Projects under the new programs are evaluated through a checklist determining whether these are gender-sensitive and responsive. Implementers also ensure that harmonized GAD guidelines, which provide a framework for project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation are followed. In a study conducted by […]

In compliance with Republic Act No. 11163, DA-PhilRice held its first National Bible Day Forum, Jan. 30. Over 600 participants from the Institute and fellow government agencies nearby reflected on how the Bible plays a role in their lives as individuals and public servants. Above, Executive Director John de Leon (2nd from left) is giving Dr. Ronnie Domingo, forum speaker, a certificate of appreciation. With them are Dr. Jasper Tallada, […]