The morning sun casts a warm glow over Brgy. Cataning, Balanga, Bataan, where farmers gather under a mango tree for the PalaySikatan Harvest Festival. Rows of chairs face a simple backdrop, and calm chatter fills the air as attendees, mostly senior citizens, settle into their seats. It’s 6:30 a.m., but they show no signs of impatience—only anticipation for what the day has to offer. Today feels different—something important is happening. […]

Farmers and seed growers are pushing for the continuation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, set to end after the 2025 cropping season, citing its role in boosting yields and lowering production costs. Since its launch, RCEF has improved rice yields by ensuring access to quality seeds, training, and modern machinery. However, as the program’s initial six-year phase nears completion, stakeholders stress the need to sustain its […]

As rising production costs threaten the profitability of rice farming, experts at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) are pushing for mechanized direct seeding as a cost-efficient alternative to manual broadcasting. “Using the recommended 40kg per hectare seeding rate with mechanization not only reduces costs but also improves efficiency,” said Leylani M. Juliano, a chief science research specialist at PhilRice.  She said that this method minimizes drudgery in […]

Efforts to transform seed grower groups into cooperatives are expected to improve CALABARZON’s seed supply system by reducing transportation costs and streamlining operations, farmer-leaders said in a recent forum organized by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Two major organizations, the Quezon Palay Seed Growers Association, Inc. (QPSGAI) and the Samahan ng mga Magbibinhi sa Laguna, Inc. (SAMALAGUN), are set to join the Agriculture Cooperative of Progressive Laguna […]

Farmers in Bicol and Eastern Visayas can anticipate a more efficient delivery of certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in the upcoming 2025 dry season attributed to a recent series of workshops led by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).  The workshops, held in 12 provinces, prepared municipal agriculturists, rice coordinators, and agricultural officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to streamline seed distribution processes. They […]

Farmers in three regions in Mindanao reported an increase in rice yields after adopting technologies showcased in the upgraded PalaySikatan program, a technology demonstration initiative under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program.  Spanning five sites in Regions 10, 11, and 13, PalaySikatan 2.0 integrates modern farm machinery, agri-smart technologies, and customized training programs to improve productivity and market access for Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). Certified inbred seeds were also […]

Farmers in Marinduque are preparing for the 2025 dry season with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) distributing about 5,000 bags of certified inbred seeds to cover 2,253ha. The largest share of the allocation, 1,592 bags is designated for Santa Cruz, where farmers have already claimed 1,000 bags for 734ha. Additional benefits will extend to farmers in Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, and Torrijos.  Philippine Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program has been a game-changer for some Filipino farmers, providing high-quality certified seeds that have boosted productivity. For 37-year-old Charlie Pasaquian, president of the Midpapan-Balogo Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in North Cotabato, RCEF not only transformed his farm but also reshaped his agriculture outlook. His perspective changed dramatically during a stint abroad when he saw a farmer driving a BMW in Taiwan—a sharp […]

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, […]

Rice farmers in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental are enhancing their productivity and efficiency with advanced agricultural technologies provided by the local government under the PalaySikatan 2.0 Technology Demonstration Ceremonial Crop Establishment, part of the Rice Comprehensive Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. The program introduced drone-seeders, walk-behind transplanters, riding-type transplanters, and drum seeders, which can reduce operational costs, save time, and increase productivity compared with traditional farming methods. These technologies are […]