In the outskirts of Santiago, Gerona, Tarlac, a community is nestled in the middle of an agricultural land. Here, families know each other. After all, they are related by blood. By early afternoon, many of the relatives gather under a massive mango tree where halo-halo is being sold to beat the April heat. It resembles an opening sequence of a local movie – children at play, the huddle of parents […]

I am Edelita Bodino, 54 years old. I belong to the Agta-Tabangnon tribe in Danao, Polangui, Albay. As so-called indigenous people (IP), we are known for planting rice and coconut on the mountain slopes. These rices we call Dinorado and Hinawa are cherished for their delicious taste. They are our community’s main staple food, but not our livelihood. We do not sell our rices. We only get cash from selling […]

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. […]

Our breeders scored high in 2019 as the National Seed Industry Council released 10 of their new varieties. NSIC 2019 Rc 522H (Mestiso 103), is a hybrid variety released on March 11, 2019 – a product of PhilRice-UP Los Baños collaboration. The other new varieties are four rainfed (NSIC 2019 Rc 568, Rc 572, Rc 574, and Rc 578); one saline (Rc 558); and 4 coldtolerant (Rc 560, Rc 563, […]

If the enactment and inescapable enforcement of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) has put the Filipino rice farmers right at the belly of the beast, then the organic farmers of Don Bosco Multipurpose Cooperative (DBMPC) based in Makilala, North Cotabato have extricated themselves unscathed. While they remain unaffected by the plunging prices of fresh palay in the market, it took years of preparation for the cooperative to survive the effects […]

Perched on a verdant hill where the traditional rice varieties (TRVs) of her tribe are planted, I hear her sing melodiously to the heavens for a bountiful harvest. Her voice, resonating and calming, blends with and flavors the afternoon breeze in her village. This is their tribal song to their God. Her name is Mastine G. Tamba, the 73-year-old seed keeper of the B’laan community at the Lamlifew tribal village […]

Unlike Mathematics, fatherhood doesn’t have any formula. This is why becoming a father opens a whole new world and changes the way most men think and act.

It is Thursday and Cherrys Abrigo is on her way to buy rice from the Dumagat farmers in Antipolo City, Rizal. A few years ago, the now 3-hour drive from her hometown Los Baños, Laguna leading to the community was anything but smooth. “This was muddy back then. I had to ride a motorcycle and pay P250 every travel,” Abrigo said as she pointed to the concreted road. Her pick-up […]

In a study by Dr. David Richter and his colleagues, first-time and experienced mothers and fathers suffer at least six years of sleep deprivation after the mother gives birth. These advice will help the struggling mothers balance their duties at home and at work.