Farmers are urged to adopt water-saving technologies and adjust farm practices as a possible El Niño may bring prolonged dry conditions and below-normal rainfall in the coming months. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has historically identified Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao among areas vulnerable to dry spells affecting rainfed and irrigated rice systems. According to Dr. Kristine S. Pascual, water management specialist at […]

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte — Farmers in this city will directly supply rice for a local food assistance program after the cooperative secured a PhP12.99-million contract through the Sagip Saka Act. The contract was awarded to the Avanceña Beneficiaries and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative following the issuance of a Notice of Award under Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act.  Atty. Joycel R. Panlilio, the DA Assistant Secretary […]

As wet season planting starts in some rice-growing areas, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is encouraging farmers to adopt cost-saving practices as rising global input prices continue to put pressure on farm production costs. PhilRice agriculturist Fredierick M. Saludez said farmers may save thousands of pesos per hectare by using certified seeds, properly leveling fields, and adopting efficient planting methods. According to Saludez, one of the easiest ways to […]

Innovations in hybrid rice seed production, climate resilience, and nutrition-focused rice initiatives earned a branch station of the country’s lead rice research and development agency recognition from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).  The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Isabela was named a regional qualifier for the 2026 Gawad Pagasa under the CSC’s Gawad Lingkod Bayani with the recognition conferred on May 12.  Among the initiatives highlighted in its nominations include […]

Farmers are being encouraged to consider early-maturing and drought-tolerant rice varieties as part of their preparations for a possible El Niño expected to bring drier conditions in the coming months. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said these varieties can help farmers better manage water limitations and reduce risks to their crops during prolonged dry spells. Citing forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the agency said […]

In April, during the country’s observance of National Intellectual Property (IP) Month, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) highlighted technologies designed to help farmers cope with rising fertilizer costs and climate risks. Data from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) show that the Institute has generated more than 400 IP assets including 53 patents, 53 utility models, 12 industrial designs, 11 trademarks, and 284 copyrights, designed to address challenges […]

Rice farmers can now get clearer fertilizer advice and quicker support after upgrades were introduced to PALAI, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Based on actual questions sent by farmers from November 2025 to March this year, developers have fine-tuned how the system responds and make it more useful in farming conditions.  Dr. John C. de Leon, PhilRice executive director, said […]

The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) urged farmers to prepare for possible pest infestations in the first quarter of 2026, citing historical data that point to widespread risks across rice-producing regions. Data from 2021 to 2025 compiled by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) identified brown planthoppers (BPH), rice stemborers, rodents, bacterial leaf blight (BLB), and leaffolders as the top threats to rice crops. Central Luzon is projected […]

The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) highlighted four decades of science-driven rice innovations and partnerships as it convened more than 600 scientists, farmers, youth leaders, policymakers, and development partners during the 37th Ugnay Palay National Rice Research for Development (R4D) Conference in Nueva Ecija. Held under the theme “40 Years of Rice Innovations: Sowing Progress, Harvesting Prosperity,” the conference served as a platform to review PhilRice’s contributions to […]

The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is marking its 40th founding anniversary with a strong record in intellectual property (IP) generation, ranking among government institutions with the highest number of granted IP applications. As of 2025, PhilRice holds more than 400 IP assets, including 50 patents, 53 utility models, 12 industrial designs, 10 trademarks, and 284 copyrights, representing four decades of research outputs translated into technologies for farmers, […]