El Niño is usual in the Philippine rice agriculture setting. What makes it different each time is its level of intensity and frequency; thereby, affecting the already heavily challenged rice farmers. Various studies have been done, some ongoing, to identify best-fit practices in managing the ill effects of this phenomenon. With the available technologies and interventions, farmers and local executives can better manage the expected impacts of El Niño, and […]

The second planting of Malusog Rice, which took place this 2023 dry cropping season, posted a new record for highest yield at 8.3t/ha. Measured at 14% moisture content, the harvest produced in Ilagan, Isabela bested last season’s 7.8t/ha in Maguindanao.    As of May 31, a combined yield of 71.3 tons of fresh paddy of Malusog Rice has been harvested from this season’s production. Covering 13 hectares, the seeds were harvested […]

To help in the government’s implementation of a long-term solution to raise agricultural productivity, PhilRice launched its new vision, “Advanced science and technology for prosperous rice-farming communities toward sufficient and affordable rice for all.” Detailed in the Institute’s new five-year strategic plan, the vision directs its banner programs from the commodity-focused to the people-centric outlook recognizing that the prosperity of farmers and their communities is key to having sufficient and […]

Farmers, who are 32-km away from the PhilRice station in Ligao City, Albay, were introduced to Abonong Swak during its recent Lakbay Palay. “We learned a lot from the discussions here, and these will improve our farm practices. We hope we can come back to PhilRice and learn,” said Perla Asaytuno, a 70-year-old farmer. Abonong Swak promotes strategic nutrient management practices to achieve balanced fertilization, which could help farmers lower […]

Farmer-graduates of the LPJ3D’s Integrated Farm School are possibly one of the happiest farmers in Quirino. It’s easy to see why. Jane Laguna, one of the Farmer Field School’s graduates, increased her yield by 50 sacks after using the certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program and following the PalayCheck taught in the LPJ3D’s Integrated Farm School. Owned by Diosdado “Sir Dado” Estocapio Jr., the […]

Farmers expressed interest in adopting mechanized direct dry seeding shown during the Farmers’ Festival in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. One of the featured technologies was the multi-purpose seeder (MP seeder), a device attached to a hand tractor that direct-seeds rice, corn, and mungbean. According to Engr. Richard Pungtilan, Batac City Building Officer and one of the participants, MP seeder is favored because of its seeding rate of 40-60kg/ha. The usual […]

The Esperanza RiceBIS Producers Cooperative (ESRIPCO) in Agusan del Sur will supply the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program with certified inbred seeds in the wet season of 2025. The cooperative, which started as an association in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, has already submitted its financial statements as a requirement in the Cooperative Development Authority for obtaining a contract from RCEF. Through the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) Program, […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Rice Extension Services Program has actively involved the younger generation in agriculture, including Joseph Mantatao from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. “I have enjoyed helping my parents on the farm since I was 16 years old. I’m now managing our 0.6-ha rice field after my mother’s demise. I’m grateful that RCEF is helping me become a better farmer,” the 23-year-old rice grower said. In the […]

PhilRice in Batac City, Ilocos Norte and San Mateo, Isabela were recipients of the Gantimpala Award in May for their teamwork and resourcefulness. PhilRice Batac City assisted Isabela station in the prompt delivery of more than 300 bags of hybrid seeds when its truck broke down in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, which is about seven hours away from the delivery point in Abra. “We explored all strategies simultaneously: repair, rescue, and […]