The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is now ready to distribute 4.27 million bags (20kg/bag) of certified inbred rice seeds, expanding its program coverage from 42 to 77 provinces within all rice-producing regions in the country. Jointly funded by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program and the DA’s National Rice Program (NRP) with P3 billion and P700 million, respectively, the certified inbred rice seed […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) is set to launch a new online learning platform on the RCEF Extension Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RCEFEx) on March 8. Called RCEF PalayAralan, the program will be a magazine-type show for online farmer-viewers with topics on rice production, rice machines, and RCEF services in seed distribution, credit, machinery, and training. Segments will be in the form of “Rice Balita,” which reports news and updates; “Rice […]

Farmers from the outskirts of San Marcelino, Zambales have reported significant gains in rice farming after becoming recipients of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Cristito Ancheta, 44, said his yield doubled as a result of using the certified seeds he received from the program. “I was surprised that my harvest jumped from 3t/ha to 6t/ha. I sold half of it and earned a gross income of around […]

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) here launched the rice paddy art of the FiLay loveteam of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, Feb. 23 at the FutureRice Farm. In an effort to increase rice appreciation among the youth, over 100 transplanters including Grade 5 and 6 students from Maligaya Elementary School, took part in the initiative. “This is the children’s first experience […]

Anchored on the Institute’s mandate, DA-PhilRice continues to ensure that gender and development (GAD) is integrated in its new strategic plan to be implemented from 2023 to 2028. Projects under the new programs are evaluated through a checklist determining whether these are gender-sensitive and responsive. Implementers also ensure that harmonized GAD guidelines, which provide a framework for project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation are followed. In a study conducted by […]

In compliance with Republic Act No. 11163, DA-PhilRice held its first National Bible Day Forum, Jan. 30. Over 600 participants from the Institute and fellow government agencies nearby reflected on how the Bible plays a role in their lives as individuals and public servants. Above, Executive Director John de Leon (2nd from left) is giving Dr. Ronnie Domingo, forum speaker, a certificate of appreciation. With them are Dr. Jasper Tallada, […]

Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Ligao City, Albay launches new technology demonstration sites under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program this dry season 2023. Called PalaySikatan, the techno demo will showcase the performance of the region’s national and regional recommended varieties in Prieto Diaz in Sorsogon, Oas in Albay, and Mobo in Masbate. Mechanized farming will also be promoted to help farmers become competitive in […]

Farmers from Bicol and Eastern Visayas now have improved access to high-quality seeds as four new seed grower cooperatives and associations (SGC/As) were recently accredited as certified seed suppliers of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. After their training, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Ligao City, Albay has accredited Masbate Seed Growers, Inc; Bicol Seeds Grower Multipurpose Cooperative; and Bicolandia Seed Grower Association, Inc […]

As appreciation and understanding of rice are vital steps in helping the country achieve enough rice supply, DA-PhilRice recalibrates its frontline education program to ensure that visiting learners will value rice and rice farmers; and gain substantial knowledge on rice science and technology. Executive Director John de Leon recently issued a memorandum designating rice experts from each division to respond to the learners’ needs, further improving the Institute’s quality of […]

Extensionists and farmers in a village in Hungduan, Ifugao expressed their gratitude to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program for helping their community attain enough rice supply. According to municipal agriculturist Jonathan Wakoy, planting inbred rice with seeds provided by the RCEF Seed Program, helped the farm households of Brgy. Maggok sustain rice supply until the next harvest. “Farmers here used to only plant traditional or heirloom rice […]