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.

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 […]

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 […]

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a water-saving technology promoted by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), has helped Manny Valdez, a 50-year-old farmer from Mamburao, Oriental Mindoro, reduce his irrigation costs by 30% while increasing his yields. AWD uses observation wells to monitor water levels, allowing farmers to irrigate only when necessary, based on the cropping season. Since adopting AWD in 2021, Valdez has saved around P900 per cycle by […]

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has emphasized the critical role of seeds to more than 700 farmers for increased harvest in a farmers’ event called Lakbay Palay conducted at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, March 27. “Seed is the key. Seeds are the foundation of our food security and key to our farmers’ success. When we use high-quality seeds, we get […]

With the public sector seeking to strengthen rice supply and enhance seed distribution, South Korea has committed USD 4.5 million to bolster the Philippines’ rice sector including the construction of a new rice seed warehouse in Isabela. The facility, which includes cold storage, a generator set, and a forklift, was officially opened during the 33rd anniversary of Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela under the […]

Farmers are being urged to take proactive measures against pest infestations expected in early 2025 with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recommending strategies to minimize crop damage and yield losses. Historical data from 1994 to 2024 compiled by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) identified rodents, brown planthoppers (BPH), rice stem borers, bacterial leaf blight (BLB), and rice black bugs (RBB) as the top threats to rice […]

As the nation prepares to commemorate Rizal Day on Dec. 30, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) draws inspiration from the words of Dr. Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future,” by empowering the youth to take an active role in agriculture and leadership through its BeRICEponsible Leadership Camp. Recently pilot-tested at the RICEsParK in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the camp aims to mold […]

Filipino farmers are set to benefit from the extended implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) under the amended Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078), which extends the program until 2031. With an annual budget tripled from P10 billion to P30 billion, RCEF aims to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability through expanded programs, modern technologies, and strengthened farmer support mechanisms. The additional funding will enhance initiatives such as soil health […]