The Philippine agriculture sector is steadily advancing, driven by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) research-for-development (R4D) initiatives, particularly through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).  These initiatives are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, food security, and public health, while boosting productivity and resilience in the country’s agricultural systems. Through PhilRice, the DA has introduced climate-resilient rice varieties, cost-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming systems, contributing to record-breaking […]

Nearly six years after the enactment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the Philippines’ rice sector has made significant strides, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the government, local authorities, farmers, and other stakeholders, according to recent data. Survey results show that initiatives such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the National Rice Program (NRP) have played a pivotal role in the sector’s growth by empowering farmers and […]

Researchers rallied behind Malusog Rice during the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, stressing its potential to address nutrition and agricultural challenges by promoting healthier diets and improving rice yields. Conducted on Dec. 3-5, the conference featured the “Rise for Healthier Rice” exhibit, which highlighted Malusog Rice, a beta carotene-enriched variety, as a science-driven solution to micronutrient undernutrition. “We need Malusog Rice to provide consumers with […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the country’s lead agency in rice research and development, has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees (BOT). University of Southern Mindanao President, Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia, has been reappointed to the board, joined by newly sworn-in trustees, Francis F. Yenko and Atty. Ericson T. Velasquez. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who also […]

The RCEF Seed Program’s PalaySikatan 2.0 project has boosted mechanized rice planting this wet season, showcasing riding-type and walk-behind transplanters. Michael Johnson P. Mabalo of the San Quintin Integrated Farmers Association (SQIFA) noted that initial resistance from older farmers decrease after seeing the demonstrations, leading to increased adoption. Similarly, Elmer B. Vidad of the Bangar Irrigators Farmers Association (BIFA) reported successful member adoption following the demonstrations. SQIFA farmer-adopters rose from […]

PhilRice Los Baños, in collaboration with the municipal agriculture office of Lemery and the DA-Lipa City, is establishing a Palayamanan site in Noong Casto, Lemery, Batangas.  Farmers in the area had been inappropriately planting NSIC Rc 216, a variety for irrigated lowlands, despite the high sulfur or salinity levels in their soils. The farmers rely on rainwater for irrigation, which has dragged down their yields to less than 3t/ha. To […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the RCEF Extension Program have recently been targeted in a deceptive marketing ploy involving the creation of fake accounts.  Since Aug. 2, two pages have surfaced online falsely representing these public institution and government program, promoting a product called “Super Seed Organic Fertilizer” and misleading the public.  The fake pages falsely claim that Dr. Emil Q. Javier, a national scientist, endorsed the fertilizer […]

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently appointed the executive director of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and its new Board of Trustees members. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. swears in Dr. John C. de Leon for his second term as PhilRice executive director on July 30 as the country seeks to boost rice production and support farmers. During his five-year term, de Leon focused not only on science […]

To support a Negros-based cooperative in expanding its agribusiness ventures, the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation (BPIF), Inc. is equipping the organization with enterprise machines that will enhance the transport and production of the farmers’ produce. Anileen Pajarillo, implementer of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) Community Program of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Negros, said the Quezon Codcod RiceBIS Farmers’ Cooperative (QueCoRiFACo) has received a truck and […]

Ito ang masiglang sigaw ng tatlumpu’t anim na aktibong kababaihan mula sa Pangkalahatang Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Siniloan (PASAMASI) sa ginanap na need assessment at Gender Sensitivity Workshop sa Siniloan, Laguna. Sa pagtitipon na ito, ang bawat kababaihan ay masayang nakilahok sa talakayan tungkol sa gender and development. Nagpahayag din sila ng kanilang determinasyon na makiisa sa RiceBIS at maging kabahagi sa pag-unlad ng kanilang lugar. 🌾🙋🏼‍♀️💰 Malugod ding ipinahayag […]