We eat, work, and pray every day. Why not add exercise in between? Dr. “Reeze”, our recently conferred Scientist I, shares her journey as a nutritionist and her insights on work–life balance. Becoming a nutritionist During her childhood in Camarines Norte, Doc Reeze was skinny and very sickly. She was among those who lined up for their school’s feeding program for underweight pupils. It was partly the reason she decided […]

To prepare the rice research and development workers in the country for the possible Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) tapped the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) in conducting an intensive training among rice technical workers in the country. Tools developed by CABI were introduced in a recent 3-day online session by CABI’s pest experts from Malaysia, India, UK, and […]

More farmers in 42 provinces are expected to cultivate high-quality rice seeds as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program appropriated higher allocation of certified seeds (CS) this wet season. The allocation increase in the new target provinces is mainly due to more focused interventions of the Department of Agriculture. Under its Integrated Rice Program initiative, the department aims to provide strategic support and projects based on the needs of […]

Farmers may now claim their free certified inbred rice seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Seed Program through the digital Binhi e-Padala system. In the Binhi e-Padala system, the Institute sends an SMS to a farmer’s validated mobile number indicating his/her name, allocation, pick-up point, and assigned schedule. Farmers may select at least three preferred varieties based on recommended national and regional varieties. Partner seed grower cooperatives and […]

Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga Del Sur have received 162,000 bags of certified inbred seeds, a 138% increase from last year’s 63,000 bags distributed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Seed Program. The higher allocation is mainly due to a more focused target in 42 provinces under the RCEF-Seed Program, as part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Integrated Rice Program initiative to provide strategic interventions based on the […]

Most Filipino rice farmers are normally engaged in a single income source to support their family needs. Growing rice and selling it as fresh palay to traders is habitual for them in getting immediate cash returns. For Johnny C. Escote, 54, from Central Glad, Midsayap, North Cotabato, it’s not yet too late to try rice business, in fact, it’s the best time to initiate one knowing that buying price of […]

Few months after a techno demo, adoption of two-wheeled lightweight machine for direct seeding known as plastic drumseeder had increased to 200% in Libungan, Cotabato. From seven rice farmers who participated in a 2020 wet season techno demo, 21 farmers have established their crops using plastic drumseeder this 2021 dry season. The machine was developed and promoted by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Victorino Dumanig, […]

Potential of bacteria and fungi in decontaminating rice ecosystems with mine tailings was observed in the latest study conducted by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).   According to Perfecto S. Ramos Jr, study lead, results unlocked the possibility that contaminants, pollutants, and toxins in rice fields near mining sites can still be removed through the use of helpful bacteria and fungi or in a process called bioremediation. Results showed nine microorganisms […]

Rice farmers in Bicol region who were affected by typhoon Rolly received 125,445 bags of certified seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program implemented by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Referred as “bags of hope” by PhilRice Bicol Director Victoria Lapitan, the certified inbred seeds were distributed to around 45,000 farmers in Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon. “In these challenging times, government programs are […]

Over 236,000 farmers across the country are benefitting from the 1.2 million bags of certified inbred seeds released to local government units by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program on its third season of implementation. “PhilRice in partnership with provincial and municipal LGUs have been working non-stop despite the pandemic restrictions to deliver and distribute the certified inbred seed requirements of farmers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors […]