The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Training and Extension Services (TES) Program is scaling up training for farmers across the country, promising broader access to modern, science-backed rice practices and recommendations. The RCEF-TES will roll out more capacity-building initiatives this year including three Rice Specialists Training Courses, 20 Farmer Field Schools, 30 advanced training batches, and 27 customized sessions. Since 2019, over 5,000 field workers and technicians have been trained with […]

For its significant impact in boosting the agriculture sector, the Philippine Rice Research Institute was recognized as one of the Department of Agriculture’s top-performing agencies during the DA Performance Appreciation System awarding ceremony held on April 29 at the BSWM Lopez Convention Hall, Quezon City. The recognition underscores the Institute’s role in driving science-based solutions and programs that strengthen the rice industry and contribute to the country’s food security agenda.

Encouraged by fellow farmer Lorinda Tubino, Corazon Buenaventura of Barangay Jasaan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, tries the walk-behind rice transplanter promoted under the PalaySikatan 2.0 of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program. Buenaventura said she was initially hesitant but later appreciated the machine’s ease of use. Tubino has been sharing her experience of using the machine, which reduced her need for labor from 11 workers to three, lowering her transplanting […]

Membership in the Ayaoan Multipurpose Cooperative rose by 38% after participating in the PalaySikatan 2.0 technology demonstration under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. The demonstration site, covering 50ha of contiguous rice fields, attracted 70 farm owners who joined the cooperative following increased yields and field learning activities. From 4.52t/ha in the 2023 wet season, the group averaged 5.28t in 2024 despite typhoons Kristine, Leon, and Marce. Cooperative […]

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) researchers have identified nine strains of naturally occurring fungi that could help farmers against fall armyworms (FAW), a new pest posing a threat to rice crops in Luzon. Evelyn M. Valdez, PhilRice crop protection expert, reported that the fungal organisms, known as entomopathogens, were found infecting FAW larvae in the wild. Early tests suggest they could serve as biological control agents (BCAs) or living organisms […]

NSIC Rc 222 continues to be the preferred inbred rice variety among farmers in Cagayan and Isabela, citing its high yield potential, resilience, and consistent performance across seasons. In Iguig, Cagayan, Richmon D. Lorenzo harvested 9.5t/ha from his 1-ha farm during the 2024 wet season, nearly doubling his previous yield.  “Farming is challenging, but I made it because of Rc 222,” said Lorenzo, who was recognized as one of his […]

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija – Amid rising labor costs and a dwindling number of farmworkers, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is providing a new solution to help farmers plant more efficiently and reduce production expenses. In a field demonstration held in Brgy. Bangad, PhilRice introduced a riding-type paddy seeder capable of planting up to 2.5ha per day while consuming just 1 L of gasoline in an hour. “This machine […]

A new mobile application developed by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is helping researchers and industry professionals evaluate rice grain quality faster and more accurately. Traditionally, measuring the physical traits of rice grains such as length, width, and shape has been a slow and meticulous process. It took about 10 minutes just to assess 20 grains using a manual caliper. Now, a smartphone camera and a few taps on a […]

Filipino rice farmers are expected to benefit from more practical technologies as the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) intensifies efforts to develop and commercialize farm-ready innovations. The Institute’s Business Development Division’s Intellectual Property Management–Innovation and Technology Support Office (PhilRice BDD IPM-ITSO) recently received the Platinum Award from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) during the recent ITSO Presidents’ Summit in Parañaque City.  The award recognizes outstanding […]

To mark its 40th anniversary this November, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is promoting healthier and more mindful food choices through its Healthy@40 campaign, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for prioritizing health and nutrition in government plans. Outlined in Memorandum No. 2025-056 released in February, the new guidelines aim to reduce the risks of diet-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes while promoting healthier eating habits […]