Integrated pest management (IPM) requires united efforts to create ripples of impact on farmers within a community. This is the reality for Johnny C. Escote, 53, and Antonio E. Estribor, 72, both from Midsayap, North Cotabato. Their rice areas being adjacent often bring them together checking on their fields’ helpful and harmful insects, which they learned from the Institute. “Since attending farmer field schools conducted by PhilRice and partner agencies, […]

Tirso A. Dahuya, 64, of RTRomuladez, Agusan del Norte, maintains as a tenant a 3-ha rice area, which was also chosen as a technology demonstration site of the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) in 2018. After two consecutive cropping seasons, Mang Tirso and the owner already enjoyed the good impact it brought on their yield. “I used to wonder why the rice leaves turn into red even if I already put […]

A farmer and now acting director of Javenri Harvest Farm School, Bryan S.  Dizon recognizes the importance of Minus-One Element Technique (MOET) kits on minimizing the expenses of Palawan farmers. The diagnostic tool, which determines the nutrient levels of rice soils, helps farmers practice the effective application of fertilizer on farmlands. “Palawan farmers usually apply complete fertilizers, but that should not be the case. With MOET kits, farmers can make […]

Agustin R. Perez Jr, 45, of Kalinga, was not familiar with hybrid rice farming; but when a trusted old friend introduced hybrid to him, he did not hesitate to try. A taekwondo instructor and farmer, Perez had always been persistent in improving his family’s life. While he was still new to hybrid rice production, he trusted in the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials that were given to him and […]

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. […]