A science-led initiative to decode the genomes of 1,001 Philippine traditional rice varieties (TRVs) has been launched, backed by the Department of Agriculture’s National Rice Program (DA-NRP) and Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). The project called 1k1RG (1,001 PH Rice Genome Project) seeks to improve the productivity and climate resilience of heirloom rice while preserving traits valued for […]

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying efforts to achieve the country’s 20.46 million metric tons (MMT) rice production target for 2025, aligning the National Rice Program (NRP) with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program to improve seed distribution and optimize yield. During a planning workshop at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), key stakeholders reviewed strategies to enhance seed allocation, synchronize distribution schedules, and address production bottlenecks. “We […]

As communities across Aurora province grapple with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pepito, Casiguran farmers remain resilient showing their willingness to try the walk-behind rice transplanter introduced in a ceremonial crop establishment, Dec. 16-17.  Jaime E. Bautista, 65, who faced a dramatic 73% reduction in his rice harvest, praised the machine’s cost-efficiency during the PalaySikatan 2.0 technology demonstration of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.  “I usually spend about P10,000 per […]

Efren Ebalida, a farmer-cooperator in Iba, Zambales, lauded the walk-behind transplanter as “time-saving and cost-efficient” during the recent RCEF PalaySikatan 2.0 ceremonial crop establishment. The machine, he said, reduced his labor costs from P10,000 to just P3,000 per hectare, requiring only four to five laborers to complete the task in 12 hours. The event also highlighted NSIC Rc 534 and modern farming technologies that boost yields, increase farmers’ income, and […]

Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) has equipped 150 rice farmers in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, for the 2025 dry season. The farmers received 200 sacks of NSIC Rc 160 certified inbred seeds, along with RCEF information, education, and communication materials aimed at increasing yields, reducing costs, and improving income. Known for its resilience and high yield, NSIC Rc 160 will help farmers better manage environmental challenges. In a video message, Sen. […]

Graduates of a specialized implementers’ course under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) reported significant improvements in their critical thinking and facilitation abilities. The 10-day training, held from Sept. 3-13 in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, equipped participants with practical tools to enhance their decision-making and leadership in rice education. The course focused on the PalayCheck System, a science-based rice management approach, combined with hands-on field activities to deepen […]