Membership in the Ayaoan Multipurpose Cooperative rose by 38% after participating in the PalaySikatan 2.0 technology demonstration under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. The demonstration site, covering 50ha of contiguous rice fields, attracted 70 farm owners who joined the cooperative following increased yields and field learning activities. From 4.52t/ha in the 2023 wet season, the group averaged 5.28t in 2024 despite typhoons Kristine, Leon, and Marce. Cooperative […]

Showing its commitment to Ilocano farmers, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Batac has achieved 100% delivery of certified inbred seeds under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for the 2024 wet season. Over 82,000 bags of free certified inbred seeds were distributed to almost 46,000 Ilocos Region farmers, ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds for better yield. PhilRice Batac also intensified its farmer support programs by disseminating rice production […]

DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute Batac, in collaboration with Mariano Marcos State University, planted its annual rice paddy art featuring Sen. Imee Marcos and her IMEEsolusyon program using NSIC Rc 222 and IR 1552 purple rice variety. The senator was featured for her commitment to agricultural innovation and community development. The intricate artwork not only showcases the beauty of rice farming but also highlights the potential of rice paddy art as […]

Local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Sur and La Union are reinforcing their support for the Minus-One Element Technique (MOET)-based fertilizer recommendations to help rice farmers achieve higher yields while reducing production costs. By using fertilizers tailored to soil texture and nutrient deficiencies, farmers can optimize their resources effectively. Santa and Tagudin in Ilocos Sur, along with Sto. Tomas in La Union, have passed resolutions endorsing these fertilizer guidelines.  Cabugao, […]

The Sangguniang Bayan of Santa, Ilocos Sur approved a resolution for the adoption of the Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET)-generated fertilizer recommendations on June 26, which was passed by the Committee on Agriculture. According to Hon. Eugene B. Borje, the resolution will guide the local government unit of Santa, especially the municipal agriculture office in identifying initiatives and activities to promote the MOET-generated fertilizer recommendations to their rice farmers.  “The recommendations will […]

Philippine Rice Research Institute in Batac City, Ilocos Norte has introduced a laser-guided land leveling machine to 200 senior farmers in Brgy. Cabatuan, Alaminos, Pangasinan. This new technology was showcased in a recent 16-day demonstration on a 10-hectare plot of land. The laser-guided equipment ensures accurate land grading, promoting optimal water distribution and reducing water wastage in the farmlands. 

Sugpon, Ilocos Sur — The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program has catalyzed a significant 13.5% increase in rice yield in this town,  highlighted during the wet season’s kick-off ceremony, where 150 indigenous farmers received free certified inbred seeds. Municipal Agriculturist Victoria S. Sumagca lauded the contributions of RCEF. “Because of RCEF, Sugpon has achieved a 13.5% increase in our production yield, from an average yield of 3.93 metric […]

A local agricultural official in San Gabriel, La Union, reported a significant increase in the town’s average yield, following its participation in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) PalaySikatan technology demonstration from the 2022 dry season to 2023 wet season. Municipal agriculturist Rizalina T. Quiros said that the town recorded a 1t/ha increase from 5.02 to 6.03t/ha. The RCEF site showcased national recommended varieties (NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, and […]

Banna, Ilocos Norte —  Rice farmers here under the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) Program of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) are set to receive free certified inbred seeds and access to advanced farming technologies from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). The RCEF Seed Program, in collaboration with the RiceBIS program, will establish a 6-hectare technology demonstration site in the upcoming 2024 dry season, showcasing RCEF inbred varieties and […]

With good results from the initial sites, La Union will soon establish a 24-ha technology demonstration site dubbed as PalaySikatan under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  To be managed by Philippine Rice Research Institute in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, four towns will showcase the performance of NSIC Rc 510, Rc 508, Rc 480, Rc 160, Rc 402, Rc 222, and Rc 216.  These towns include Sudipen, Aringay, […]