The local government unit of Sta. Cruz, Zambales has recently enacted two ordinances that aim to help farmers save on planting and fertilizer costs.  The ordinances, focused on increased adoption of the direct-seeded rice (DSR) system and the integration of the balanced fertilization strategy (BFS) program or Abonong Swak are technologies recommended by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that 20% of the […]

Government agencies at the forefront of climate change mitigation recently outlined their strategies at a policy forum held in Quezon City.  The forum, organized by the Policy Research and Advocacy Project of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), addressed the lack of provisions, fragmented funding, and low farmer compliance with agricultural emission reduction targets. Representatives from national agencies including the Department of Agriculture and provincial local government offices discussed the […]

Seed growers in Burgos, Isabela have been supplying enough certified seeds to the municipality through the assistance of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.   Fenora G. Martinez, Burgos OIC-municipal agriculturist, said that unlike before, the town no longer worries about farmers’ access to certified inbred seeds, which studies show can increase yield by 10% or more. Certified seeds are relatively pure, have fewer weed seeds, free from visible […]

A local agricultural official in San Gabriel, La Union, reported a significant increase in the town’s average yield, following its participation in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) PalaySikatan technology demonstration from the 2022 dry season to 2023 wet season. Municipal agriculturist Rizalina T. Quiros said that the town recorded a 1t/ha increase from 5.02 to 6.03t/ha. The RCEF site showcased national recommended varieties (NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, and […]

The Katipunan Magading Farmers’ Association (KAMAFA) in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, has seen significant growth following the completion of specialized training under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services (RCEF RESP) program.  Milona B. Villanueva, KAMAFA chair, reported that association members have increased their average rice harvest from 6t/ha to 9t/ha. Villanueva attributes this 3t/ha improvement to the adoption of synchronous planting following a 30-day rest period and Minus-One-Element […]

Salam Nature Farm, a farm school in Zamboanga Sibugay, recently launched its second batch of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Farmer Field School (RCEF FFS) in Brgy. Balagon, Siay. The course implemented technology demonstrations, hands-on training, and lectures on the PalayCheck System to 55 farmer-scholars for 12 sessions. Salam Nature Farm is the first farm school in Region 9 accredited by the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority to implement the […]

A pioneering movement is taking shape, driving a transformation in traditional rice farming practices in Leyte. One of the drivers of change is Engr. Fermina Aling, a 69-year-old visionary farmer, and owner of JAMPOL Integrated Farm School, who has embraced the theory of digitalization to propel her community toward a future of agricultural prosperity. With the help of innovative applications, Fermina and her fellow farmers are unlocking the potential of […]

Youth in Naga City and Los Baños have appreciated modern, easy rice cultivation through mobile apps and modern farm machines during their visit to the PhilRice stations.  About 350 students and educators of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Naga City learned ICT tools including apps namely PalayCheck, Binhing Palay, Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET), Leaf Color Chart (LCC), e-Damuhan, and Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service, on Dec. 18, 2023.  […]

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently launched ‘PalayCheck App’, a new smartphone application, designed to make PalayCheck – a rice integrated cropping system, more interactive and accessible for stakeholders.  The PalayCheck System recommends nine keychecks for crop management areas, including seed quality, land preparation, crop establishment, and management of nutrients, water, pests, harvest, and postharvest. The PalayCheck App serves as the mobile counterpart of this system with easy-to-use features for […]

In a move towards enhancing agricultural production and ensuring food security, PhilRice Bicol has pledged to train irrigators associations (IA) in Region 5 on agroenterprise development inked in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 14 national agencies. Signed on Jan. 24 at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional Office Compound in Naga City, the MOU also stated that PhilRice will link the IAs to the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) […]