The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) marked its 40th year with more than 100 rice varieties now planted across the country’s major ecosystems, strengthening efforts to secure the nation’s food supply amid climate change. According to rice breeder Christopher C. Cabusora, rice that four decades ago survived only under one ideal condition can now thrive in two or more harsh environments, which help farmers achieve better harvests despite […]

A Philippine-developed satellite system that helps the government make evidence-based decisions for rice production has earned international recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM), developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) with partner agencies, was recognized for its role in transforming crop monitoring and management through the use of space and digital technologies. Sustainable plant production and protection […]

An official in a Department of Agriculture (DA)-attached institute has been named recipient of the 2025 DA-Khush Award of Distinction, the highest honor given to crop scientists in the Philippines, for research that helped increase harvests, preserve traditional rice varieties, and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Dr. John C. de Leon, DA–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) executive director, was awarded during the 28th scientific conference of the Federation of Plant Science Associations […]

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 […]