In response to ongoing agricultural challenges, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) emphasized the importance of scaling research for development (R4D) innovations during its 36th Ugnay Palay National Rice Research and Development Conference, Dec. 3-5.  The event, themed “Advancing Rice R4DE para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas (Advancing Rice R4DE for a Prosperous New Philippines),” featured a panel discussion on “Scaling R4D Innovations.”  Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Midsayap, North Cotabato has recently earned the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification with a perfect score of 100%, marking a significant milestone in the station’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and ethical farming practices. The certification follows a comprehensive evaluation of the station’s 64-hectare rice seed production area, facilities, and seed production site at the University of Southern Mindanao. Inspectors from the Bureau […]

PhilRice Midsayap marked the 2024 National Rice Awareness Month with the “Be RICEponsible” campaign, engaging communities through interactive and educational activities. Highlights included the “Roots and Shoots” transplanting event with pupils of Simeon Panganiban Elementary School, a Color Fun Run involving staff and residents, and the “Mom’s Rice Rumble” cooking contest, where parents showcased black rice recipes. The celebration also featured lectures on agriculture careers, Malusog Rice orientation, and rice-themed […]

DA-PhilRice is working to help transform rice-farming communities through its programs, guided by the principle of Bida ang Sama-Sama—better together. Through various initiatives, we ensure that farmers have access to high-quality seeds fit for their needs, promote climate-resilient farming technologies, and help boost productivity across the rice value chain. We guide organized farmers into agro-entrepreneurship, strengthening their competitiveness and sustainability. These efforts, combined with a focus on healthier rice, improve […]

This year’s National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), which is being celebrated every November, was themed “Be RICEponsible”. NRAM gravitated anew on responsible rice consumption with activities aimed at reducing rice wastage and supporting farmers. The “Half-Cup, Full-Heart” challenge urged Filipinos dining out not to buy more than they can finish. Branch stations breath life to the theme through various activities: Midsayap hosted “Roots and Shoots,” involving staff and students in […]

Researchers rallied behind Malusog Rice during the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, stressing its potential to address nutrition and agricultural challenges by promoting healthier diets and improving rice yields. Conducted on Dec. 3-5, the conference featured the “Rise for Healthier Rice” exhibit, which highlighted Malusog Rice, a beta carotene-enriched variety, as a science-driven solution to micronutrient undernutrition. “We need Malusog Rice to provide consumers with […]

Amid a year marked by challenges, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the role of science and technology in sustaining the country’s rice sector during the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva Ecija, Dec. 3-5. Describing the year’s challenges as “perfect storm,” the secretary said that despite the high production costs, droughts, floods, and disruptions in the value chain that tested […]