An official in a Department of Agriculture (DA)-attached institute has been named recipient of the 2025 DA-Khush Award of Distinction, the highest honor given to crop scientists in the Philippines, for research that helped increase harvests, preserve traditional rice varieties, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr. John C. de Leon, DA–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) executive director, was awarded during the 28th scientific conference of the Federation of Plant Science Associations of the Philippines (FPSAP) in Cebu City, Aug. 28.
FPSAP cited de Leon’s “lifelong commitment to science that uplifts Filipino farmers,” including studies that mapped the genetic diversity of Philippine rice, revived aromatic traditional varieties, and developed high-yielding and early-maturing rice lines suited for a changing climate.
De Leon also led research on seedling vigor and heterosis in rice and authored a widely cited reference on the rice Filipinos grow and eat, which documented a century of varietal evolution and consumption patterns.
“These works have direct relevance to food security, especially at a time when productivity and climate risks are pressing concerns,” the award-giving body said.
Under de Leon’s leadership, PhilRice has advanced research and development on hybrid rice, cost-reducing technologies, healthier rice varieties, and farmer-enterprises that support national targets under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program.
The award, established in 1988 by World Food Prize laureate Gurdev S. Khush in partnership with DA, honors scientists whose work has lasting impact on the Philippine agricultural sector.
Other PhilRice scientists and teams were also recognized at the FPSAP conference for their contributions to research, technology development, and extension.
Dr. Jonathan M. Niones received the Achievement Award for Research for his work on rice root adaptation under drought and flood conditions. He also leads the PhilRice Genebank, which houses rice seeds, DNA materials, and genetic data crucial to breeding high-yielding, resilient, and nutritious rice varieties.
Ailon Oliver M. Capistrano, supervising science research specialist, was conferred the Achievement Award in Technology Development for ICT-based tools that support better decision-making in nutrient management. These include the Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET) App, which identifies soil nutrient deficiencies and recommends appropriate type, amount, and timing of fertilizer application. He also led the development of digital tools tailored for rainfed areas, leading to reduced input costs while improving harvests.
DA-PhilRice Los Baños, led by Station Director Rhemilyn Z. Relado-Sevilla, was awarded the Achievement Award in Extension for programs that strengthened farmer communities’ access to climate-smart technologies and market opportunities.
Through initiatives such as RiceTIP, RiceSHARE, RiceBIS 2.0, and RCEF, the station promoted the use of modern recommended rice varieties in Calabarzon and MIMAROPA, trained extension workers and farmers on recommended practices, and supported farmer-cooperatives in marketing their produce, which resulted in increased income.
