The Philippines has saved an estimated P3.6 billion worth of uncooked rice, based on the current price of P43/kg, due to reduced rice wastage across the country.  Data from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) from 2018-2019 showed that daily rice wastage per household averaged 53g of cooked rice. Using the 2020 population as a reference, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) translated this to an […]

High school student leaders gained a deeper appreciation for agriculture and leadership at the recent pilot run of the BeRICEponsible Leadership Camp, held at the Philippine Rice Research Institute’s (PhilRice) RICEsParK in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The camp, themed “sParKing Future Rice Leaders,” aimed to inspire young “RICEponsible” leaders who are aware of the challenges faced by Filipino farmers and the importance of rice and rice science to […]

Integrating crop and animal production could unlock agricultural innovation and improve food security in the Philippines, agripreneur Dr. Manuel L. Logroño said during the 39th anniversary of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Nov. 6. Speaking at the 26th SRO Seminar Series, Logroño, president of Maize Life and Farming Sciences, underscored the benefits of linking crops and livestock in a sustainable value chain to address challenges in productivity and profitability. “We […]

Two studies on beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice received top awards at the 2024 International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania (SABRAO) in partnership with the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP), Aug. 12-16. The studies highlighted the nutritional quality and consumer acceptance of the innovative rice variety designed to combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in […]

Over 1,200 farmers, agricultural officers, extension workers, and representatives from local government units and state universities and colleges heard the good news about the possible extension of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program during the Lakbay Palay held at the DA–PhilRice Central Experiment Station, Sep. 18-19. “The extension of RCEF is for the farmers and cooperatives. If RCEF is extended, the tariff revenue from imported rice will help the […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently filed a Petition for Review on Certiorari with a request for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction (Petition) before the Supreme Court, challenging the Court of Appeals’ (CA) decision in the Writ of Kalikasan case concerning its development of Golden Rice, locally branded as Malusog Rice. In its April 17, 2024 decision, which was later modified in its Aug. 15, 2024 decision, […]

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed in July 2024 the PhilRice Executive Director along with three new members to its Board of Trustees as part of a strategic initiative to boost rice production and improve the livelihoods of Filipino rice farmers. Dr. John C. de Leon took his oath for a second term as the PhilRice Executive Director on July 29, 2024. Initially appointed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte […]

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has commended Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) for its role in shaping the future of Philippine agriculture through innovation as the institute marks its 39th anniversary on Nov. 5. “As we celebrate this 39-year milestone, I underscore PhilRice’s role in shaping the future of Philippine agriculture. You are not just improving rice production; you are improving lives,” the secretary, who started […]