As a rainfed rice farmer, Noel D. Galut of Ilocos Norte is concerned about water and labor scarcity in their area. These were addressed by the Multi-Purpose Seeder (MP Seeder) for direct seeding introduced to him in 2018. MP Seeder is a device attached to a hand tractor that direct-seeds rice, corn, and mungbean. “Back then, it would take four persons hired for P300 each per day to plant half […]

Manuel B. Espino, 47, of  Bago City, Negros Occidental, has been farming for 10 years when he tried two varieties — one recommended by the station for national planting, and the other location-specific for Western Visayas. With proper rice farming technologies, he harvested 120 bags (46kg per bag) of NSIC Rc 160, up by 10-20% from his usual haul. PSB Rc 10, recommended for their region, showed resistance against fungal […]

For almost 25 years, Bobby M. Abad, 41 of Magarao, Camarines Sur, has been reaping only 300 bags (50kg/sack) from his 5-ha rice field. He thought that his yield will no longer improve as his farm is 150m near the coastal line. For lack of other choices, he had been planting an irrigated lowland variety. Through a project collaboration, Abad at last received free seeds of NSIC Rc 338 (Salinas […]

John C. De Leon, PhD Executive Director, DA-PhilRice RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) The context of R&D as the harbinger of ‘new normal’ is not an overstatement or an adaptation to the COVID-19- induced turn of events. Research for Development encapsulates it better, suggesting progress and broader impacts with the spread of new technologies – making our normal way of life better. The protracted battle with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) defines […]

Albeit worried and uncertain, two PhilRice women-leaders did not lose their reins in handling the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) programs when the Luzon lockdown was resorted to beginning in mid-March. Amidst the intimidating pandemic, their worries were beyond contracting COVID-19 and their own welfare. Selfless, their foremost concern was helping drive national programs crucial in motivating farmers to continue planting rice. For about two months, Dr. Flordeliza H. Bordey, […]

Our battlecry for rice security is not a no-contest bout! We must overcome challenges that come along the way. For one thing, in 2019 the country replaced import limits with tariffs that intensified foreign competition for our local rice farmers. To weather these challenges, collaborative efforts and support are essential. This is why a cooperative exists – to extend members a helping hand and help make them stronger and resilient. […]

The Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division (RCFSD) of Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is developing an automated system that determines rice grain size and shape through digital image processing. The method will help breeders measure grain size, one of the factors that reveal its yielding capacity.  Going digital Measuring grain size and shape manually is time-consuming, laborious, and straining to the eyes. Early results of a research […]

While we move our seeds, we also move knowledge as well as people especially the farmers. To complement the seed distribution pursuits being waged across the country, PhilRice, together with ATI, PHilMech, and TESDA, is also multiplying its efforts to implement the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) extension initiatives such as the conduct of the Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC). Lea dR. Abaoag, head of the Technology Management and Services […]

When rice farmers ‘cried’ at the unacceptable palay prices in 2019, Ronald Aceret of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte ‘shed tears’ with them. He figured it wasn’t the best season in his long-lived farming career. “The price was low, and so was my harvest. Deduct the fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and other farm expenses, there was almost nothing left for me to count. I was just grateful and consoled that we still had […]

Rogel Comesario’s farm in Manaoag, Pangasinan was the center of attention on March 5, 2020 as the first Rice Competitiveness Enhancement (RCEF) produce was ceremonially harvested. High-ranking national and regional government personalities graced the ceremony, engendering a virtual barrio-fiesta mood. The roaring combine harvester blended well with the output of the drum-and-lyre corps, and the loud speakers further intensified the noisy but pleasing rendition. It was musical democracy at its […]