Farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) have achieved gains from its programs’ services including provision of certified seeds, training, and communication support. In the programs’ review being held at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) on Feb. 6-8, implementers reported that seed recipients increased their average yield as shown in the midterm and seasonal monitoring and evaluation surveys conducted in the 42 original target provinces of the RCEF Seed […]

With the drafting of its strategic plan for 2023-2028, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is supporting the recently announced three-year plan of the Department of Agriculture (DA). PhilRice, the country’s lead agency on rice research and development, will roll out research for development and extension banner programs that are more integrated and focused on achieving better rice farming communities.  The programs include the Rice Seeds Systems that caters to necessities […]

El Niño may have brought the threat of dry spells and water scarcity, but the farmers’ resilience has risen to the occasion. Rather than succumbing to adversity, they have embraced the challenge as an opportunity to learn new techniques and innovative practices to combat the phenomenon’s effects while getting additional income. By practicing a water-saving technology called Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), farmers in Gabaldon, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva […]

Newly appointed agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged to focus on reducing rice importation during his tenure — a commitment made during the Ugnay Palay: 35th National Rice R4D Conference at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Nov. 29. “Our ultimate goal is to swiftly reduce rice imports for food security and efficiency. We also aim to inspire a new generation […]

Several legislators expressed their support for the BeRICEponsible campaign of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) as they visited the recent exhibit titled, “Palay. Bigas. Kanin. Alamin” at the Senate building in Pasay City. The lawmakers affirmed their commitment to the campaign by endorsing the ABKD practices: (A) Adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin; (B) Brown Rice ay kainin; (K) Kanin ay huwag sayangin; at (D) Dapat bigas […]

Sen. President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged Filipinos “not to waste rice” during “Palay. Bigas. Kanin. Alamin” exhibit held for the National Rice Awareness Month celebration. She also emphasized the importance of achieving rice self-sufficiency and reducing wastage in line with biodiversity and climate concerns. Read: https://www.lorenlegarda.com.ph/dont-waste-rice-legarda-reminds-public-2/?fbclid=IwAR3jFmMynaVa9mDKXxM_5d7O2jo2Yz8v7StCusHuUDwIEALjOJrnYeYVUjc

The National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) conducted every November has focused on increasing awareness on youth participation in agriculture and rice production processes during the 21st Ceremonial Rice Harvesting at the Luneta Park, Nov. 17. James Elwyn Leyte, senior research associate at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture – Philippines, motivated about 200 students from Salawag National High School in Dasmariñas, Cavite, to pursue careers in agricultural research and development. […]

As the country celebrates National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the call for half-cup rice servings has garnered support from the country’s legislative body to sponsor a bill that was first filed in the Senate in 2013. “As of today, two congressmen have already expressed their willingness to volunteer as sponsors for the bill we are trying to revive,” said Dr. Hazel V. Antonio, lead of the NRAM celebration.  Based on […]

Representatives from Korean and Philippine national agencies and corporations recently commenced construction on a new rice seed processing facility and warehouse with cold storage, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.  Established in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the facility, according to Dr. Byung Ki Lee, Global Agricultural Policy Institute (GAPI) project manager, is expected to help increase the utilization rate of high-quality certified rice seeds, improve self-sufficiency […]

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is ramping up its advocacy efforts for the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) to enhance public awareness about “BeRICEponsible.” The online activities, which is a part of the NRAM celebration held every November, will kick off through the RCEF PalayAralan TV on Facebook on Oct. 27, 3 p.m. Established under Proclamation No. 524 in 2014, this year’s NRAM focuses on the theme […]