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 […]

A farm school owner who graduated from the RCEF-Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC) is collaborating with DA-PhilRice Negros to help address rice production constraints in Capiz. Farm school owner Kryztof Ray Carillo of Dao, Capiz said he intends to help address low yields, high seeding rates, and poor nutrient management practices in their locality. “I am confident in conducting the training and giving technical advice because of the comprehensive experiential […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Seed Program in San Mateo, Isabela has observed a gradual transition in crop establishment with the machines introduced in RCEF demo farms. Called PalaySikatan, RCEF farms promote the use of direct-seeded technologies such as precision seeder, drum seeder, and seed spreader, which advance the practice of the 40kg/ha seeding rate, in 39ha in Kalinga, Ifugao, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya this dry season. According […]

Candelaria farmers in Quezon— the first Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) farmer-partners who tried the Binhi e-Padala in the province, were satisfied with the inbred rice certified seeds distribution in their area in Dec. last year. Rosalinda Ramos Porto shared that from 30 min to an hour waiting time during regular seed distribution, the transaction using the system only took around 3-5 min. She added that the distribution had no […]