Dinagat Islands — A year after the province’s inclusion in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, Dinagat Islands has doubled its yield per hectare from 2021 to 2023 wet season. Data from RCEF’s Rice Seed Monitoring System showed that the province’s yield increased from 2.11t/ha to 4.64t/ha. This was recorded in the new RCEF-covered areas in PhilRice Agusan including Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, and Tubajon, […]

A transformative shift has been observed in Camiguin as first-time planters adopt the use of certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).  Implementers have monitored Eduardo and Aida Jardin, farmers in Mambajao, who have seen significant yield increases from their 0.2-ha land area. The Jardins reported more than 2 tons yield after planting the certified inbred seeds.  They praised the variety’s yield, early maturity, uniformity of the […]

PhilRice Agusan is ready to produce GAD resource individuals within the station to efficiently and effectively carry out its GAD plan in research, development, extension, and administration services, following the conclusion of the Training of Trainers (TOT) on GAD Resource Pool. For Mr. Brian P. Gepiga, one of the participants, this training has provided him with a deeper understanding on gender issues and ability to integrate gender-responsive strategies. He expressed, […]

Following a devastating accident that not only cost him his arm but also tragically claimed his son’s life, Zaldy C. Salvacion of La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur, showcased an inspiring display of resilience. He returned to rice farming, becoming a beacon of strength for his community.  Through his unwavering determination and with the support of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, he not only led his community […]

New areas covered by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program in Caraga and Northern Mindanao expressed gratitude for inclusion in the certified inbred rice seed distribution. Starting this 2023 wet season, farmers in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat, and Camiguin will benefit from seed allocation of 10,800, 2,100, and 260 sacks, respectively. Karen Olpos, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Dinagat Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), emphasized the program’s significance in […]

DA-PhilRice Agusan staff were in full force in honoring women during the training on the functions of the GAD Focal Point System in the Gazebo Pools and Restaurant in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on April 4, 2023. The knowledge-filled activity was aligned with this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society, and brought together Gender and Development advocates for a discussion on […]

DA-Philrice Agusan’s newly hired staff learned how social norms and power structures impact the lives and opportunities available to different groups of men and women during the Gender and Development (GAD) Orientation. The activity was held on March 20, 2023, in Training Hall, PhilRice Agusan, RTRomualdez, Agusan del Norte, as part of the Women’s Month Celebration 2023, with the theme “WE for gender equality and an inclusive society.” Mr. Jehru […]