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 […]

Rice growers are optimistic about the PalaySikatan initiative under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, which aims to modernize rice farming and reduce production costs.  Recent activities in Casiguran, Aurora and Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte highlighted the program’s potential benefits and the enthusiasm of local farmers. In Casiguran, Jaime E. Bautista, chair of the Esteves Farmers’ Association (EFA), expressed confidence in the initiative’s goals, which include increasing rice […]

Isandra Pernitez, a former social worker from Lanao del Norte, has made a career shift to agriculture, becoming a farm trainer under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF RESP).  With a background in assisting typhoon victims through various non-governmental organizations, Pernitez has now channeled her skills into empowering rice farmers and promoting agricultural development. Pernitez discovered her passion for rice farming in 2022 while working with […]

After nearly 11 years at sea, Engracio G. Tupaz, 57, has transitioned to rice farming, achieving a net income of over PhP100,000 a hectare from his 2.3-ha farm.  Returning to the Philippines in 2012, Tupaz’s agricultural journey has not only sustained his livelihood but also funded his three children’s college education. Initially lacking expertise in rice farming, Tupaz joined the PalaySikatan technology demonstration under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) […]