Ifugao farmer associations significantly increased their capital through a roll-over scheme, which uses the certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Andres dela Cruz Jr., RCEF coordinator of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Isabela reported that in the 2022 dry season, 13 associations in Alfonso Lista grew their capital from P230,000 to P370,000. The associations are members of PhilRice’s Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) […]

A recent study has proven that rice grown with azolla between its rows can yield 4-5.3t/ha at a production cost of only P3.84/kg after continuous incorporation. Azolla is an aquatic fern that hosts Anabaena azollea cyanobacteria, which convert nitrogen into ammonia that nourishes rice plants when incorporated into the soil. Cielo Luz Mondejar-Bello, a member of the Negros station-based research team, said they tested azolla as the source of nutrients […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program has reached three provinces covered by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Bicol as local authorities gear up for an extensive distribution of certified inbred rice seeds this 2023 wet season. Under the allocation plan, Northern Samar is slated to receive 11,227 bags of certified seeds while  Eastern Samar will be provided with 11,347 bags. Leyte will benefit from a substantial allocation […]

New areas covered by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program in Caraga and Northern Mindanao expressed gratitude for inclusion in the certified inbred rice seed distribution. Starting this 2023 wet season, farmers in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat, and Camiguin will benefit from seed allocation of 10,800, 2,100, and 260 sacks, respectively. Karen Olpos, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Dinagat Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), emphasized the program’s significance in […]

PhilRice in the Central Experiment Station receives 95% satisfaction rate from its learners during the first quarter indicating that the Institute has met their educational goals in their visit. To sustain learner satisfaction, branch stations will be oriented on the headquarter’s best practices for accommodating learners and designing their itineraries to fulfill their learning objectives. This knowledge and sharing activity already kicked off in the Negros station. From Jan. to […]

Farmers in Tarlac will again receive certified inbred rice seeds as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program resumes its operations for the 2023 wet season with a kick-off ceremony and technical briefing held at the Diwa ng Tarlac Convention Center, April 14. Under the RCEF Seed Program implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the province will receive nearly 80,000 bags of certified inbred seeds, covering an […]

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) confers the Gold Award to PhilRice for its achievement on intellectual property (IP) in a ceremony at Sequoia Hotel Manila, March 28. IPOPHL recognizes the Institute’s Innovation and Technology Support Office for conducting 12 IP awareness activities, two patent search seminars, and one patent drafting seminar in 2022. PhilRice has also filed invention patents for six technologies including straight-row planted weeder for […]

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) expressed its commitment in collaborating with PhilRice to help address future challenges in the rice sector. In a roundtable discussion on March 28 at Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Dr. Jean Balie, IRRI director general, and Dr. John C. de Leon, PhilRice executive director, explored possible tie ups on direct dryseeded rice, nutritious products and diets, climate resilient farming, and accelerated impact. “As […]

Farmers in Brgy. Darussalam, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi have prepared their planting materials after completing a week-course on the PalayCheck System facilitated by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Bual Norte, Midsayap. The training equipped more than 30 farmer-members of the Siratang Food Basket Association. Researcher Datu Ali Sumlay trained them on proper fertilizer management, agroecosystem analysis, pest damage assessment, among other rice production components. A techno-demo farm was also established in […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) has produced competitive farmers in its more than 200 farm schools across the country since the implementation of its Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) in 2019.  “In the pursuit of increased productivity and income in the agriculture sector, we recognize that continuous education of our farmers is key, and we’re committed to providing them with the necessary resources and support,” Dr. Remelyn Recoter, Agricultural […]