Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a water-saving technology promoted by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), has helped Manny Valdez, a 50-year-old farmer from Mamburao, Oriental Mindoro, reduce his irrigation costs by 30% while increasing his yields. AWD uses observation wells to monitor water levels, allowing farmers to irrigate only when necessary, based on the cropping season. Since adopting AWD in 2021, Valdez has saved around P900 per cycle by […]

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has emphasized the critical role of seeds to more than 700 farmers for increased harvest in a farmers’ event called Lakbay Palay conducted at Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, March 27. “Seed is the key. Seeds are the foundation of our food security and key to our farmers’ success. When we use high-quality seeds, we get […]

Consumers in San Mateo, Isabela, can soon enjoy safer and higher-quality rice options as the municipality pioneers an ordinance promoting Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP)-certified rice, known as “GAPproved rice.” Ordinance No. 2025-917, introduced through the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) program of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), is the first of its kind in the country. It establishes a model for ensuring that locally produced rice […]

Filipinos looking for healthier food options may soon enjoy a new take on yogurt, as food technologists at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have infused it with nutrient-rich rice bran to enhance its health benefits. Developed by food technologist Dr. Henry M. Corpuz and his team, the improved yogurt incorporates stabilized rice bran—the outer layer of red and black rice known for its high dietary fiber, vitamins, […]

The Philippine agriculture sector is steadily advancing, driven by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) research-for-development (R4D) initiatives, particularly through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).  These initiatives are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, food security, and public health, while boosting productivity and resilience in the country’s agricultural systems. Through PhilRice, the DA has introduced climate-resilient rice varieties, cost-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming systems, contributing to record-breaking […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is set to collaborate with Japan-based Sagri Co., Ltd. and the National Irrigation Administration-Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-UPRIIS) Division 1 to pilot a smart agriculture initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions in rice farming while providing carbon credit opportunities for farmers. Under a newly signed Memorandum of Agreement, the research project will utilize Japan’s satellite-based big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning […]

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying efforts to achieve the country’s 20.46 million metric tons (MMT) rice production target for 2025, aligning the National Rice Program (NRP) with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program to improve seed distribution and optimize yield. During a planning workshop at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), key stakeholders reviewed strategies to enhance seed allocation, synchronize distribution schedules, and address production bottlenecks. “We […]

With the public sector seeking to strengthen rice supply and enhance seed distribution, South Korea has committed USD 4.5 million to bolster the Philippines’ rice sector including the construction of a new rice seed warehouse in Isabela. The facility, which includes cold storage, a generator set, and a forklift, was officially opened during the 33rd anniversary of Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela under the […]

Farmers are being urged to take proactive measures against pest infestations expected in early 2025 with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recommending strategies to minimize crop damage and yield losses. Historical data from 1994 to 2024 compiled by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) identified rodents, brown planthoppers (BPH), rice stem borers, bacterial leaf blight (BLB), and rice black bugs (RBB) as the top threats to rice […]

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is scaling up its climate risk mapping efforts to help rice farmers combat the growing threat of extreme weather, which has already caused billions in agricultural losses nationwide. Drawing inspiration from Vietnam’s mapping initiatives, PhilRice’s Climate-Smart Maps for Strengthening the Adaptation Plans of Farming Communities (CS Map) Project provides farmers and local governments with data-driven tools to prepare for typhoons, droughts, floods, […]