The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF RESP) has trained thousands of farmers in Regions 6 and 7 involving farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer approach, where farmer-trainers share their learnings with fellow farmers in their communities. The program targets farmer-leaders who can easily convene meetings and influence their peers to adopt new agricultural technologies. The leaders have also established or assumed roles in farmer associations or cooperatives, bringing more […]

The Rice and Corn Seed Growers Association (RICOSGA) in Negros Oriental has reactivated its operations after receiving support from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. RICOSGA chair Ariel Capilla said that the once inactive seed growers’ organization was faced with challenges such as low membership, limited funds, and lack of seed procurement. With the help of PhilRice and other partner agencies, […]

Farmers in Tulunan, North Cotabato are reaping the benefits of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, which has improved the town’s practice of certified inbred seed leading to increased yield.  Farmer Roel P. Lapating attested to the positive changes brought about by the RCEF Seed Program.  “Because of the RCEF certified inbred seeds, our harvest has soared to 4.4-6t/ha. As long as we have access to resources for […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF RESP) will distribute information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to 35,000 farmers in four provinces this dry season. Technology calendar, handouts on rice farming-related mobile apps, and brochure on direct-seeded rice production, will be given to farmers in Northern and Eastern Samar, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes. To be distributed along with the free certified inbred seeds from the RCEF Seed […]

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation granted the farmers under the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) Program in  San Carlos, Negros Occidental with P5.2 million to help them increase their income. Hernan Samson, chair of the farmers’ organization, expressed his gratitude to BPI and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), which houses the program. “It’s a huge blessing for us to obtain a truck, rice mill, and this fund […]

Newly appointed agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged to focus on reducing rice importation during his tenure — a commitment made during the Ugnay Palay: 35th National Rice R4D Conference at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Nov. 29. “Our ultimate goal is to swiftly reduce rice imports for food security and efficiency. We also aim to inspire a new generation […]

Several legislators expressed their support for the BeRICEponsible campaign of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) as they visited the recent exhibit titled, “Palay. Bigas. Kanin. Alamin” at the Senate building in Pasay City. The lawmakers affirmed their commitment to the campaign by endorsing the ABKD practices: (A) Adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin; (B) Brown Rice ay kainin; (K) Kanin ay huwag sayangin; at (D) Dapat bigas […]

Rice farmers in Aurora and Bohol have increased their average yields by 1t/ha or more through the high-quality seeds they received through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Aurora’s provincial agriculturist Arnold Novicio reported that their yield rose from 3.5t/ha 10 years ago to 4.5-5t/ha today.  Lorebien Lagapa, provincial rice seed program coordinator of Bohol, said their yield also improved from 2.73t/ha in 2022 to 3.6t/ha in 2023. […]

Sen. President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged Filipinos “not to waste rice” during “Palay. Bigas. Kanin. Alamin” exhibit held for the National Rice Awareness Month celebration. She also emphasized the importance of achieving rice self-sufficiency and reducing wastage in line with biodiversity and climate concerns. Read: https://www.lorenlegarda.com.ph/dont-waste-rice-legarda-reminds-public-2/?fbclid=IwAR3jFmMynaVa9mDKXxM_5d7O2jo2Yz8v7StCusHuUDwIEALjOJrnYeYVUjc

The National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) conducted every November has focused on increasing awareness on youth participation in agriculture and rice production processes during the 21st Ceremonial Rice Harvesting at the Luneta Park, Nov. 17. James Elwyn Leyte, senior research associate at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture – Philippines, motivated about 200 students from Salawag National High School in Dasmariñas, Cavite, to pursue careers in agricultural research and development. […]