To expand access to hybrid rice seeds in Mindanao, 21 seed growers from Digos City, Davao del Sur are currently undergoing a season-long training on hybrid rice seed production and certification. The seed growers are trained on three-line and two-line systems and cultural management and practices. “This training, which started this month and will end on Feb. 8 next year, complements the Administrative Order No. 9 series of 2021 or […]

Agriculture Sec. William D. Dar urged agriculture officials to break from traditionalism, especially in implementing programs, during the department’s recent management committee meeting held at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).  “The old way of doing things just doesn’t cut it anymore. Moving to the realm of pragmatism, I acknowledge the time constraints; however, implementation is the name of the game. The strategies we set in motion must be delivered with […]

Climate change is escalating the risks in farming particularly in the more vulnerable areas that are prone to drought, flood, and typhoon conditions. Pests and diseases in these areas have acquired adaptability, which contributes to the complexity of crop management. Fortunately, localized weather forecasts are being institutionalized to mitigate the risks. Doable crop management advisories are being provided to help farmers respond to farming contingencies appropriately. One of the components […]

Farmer-beneficiaries of the “Sa Palay at Gulay – May Ani, Hanapbuhay, Oportunidad, at Nutrisyon” (PAG-AHON) II Project in Lupao, Nueva Ecija are now selling their produce in a bigger market. Henry V. Ramos, president of Lupao Vegetable Growers Association (LVGA), said during the PAG-AHON harvest festival, Nov.13, that the project taught and assisted them in marketing their own produce. “We dreamed of becoming entrepreneurs, and it came true because of […]

Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, scientist II and chief research science specialist at Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), was recognized as the 2021 Outstanding Agriculturist of the Year in a virtual awards ceremony, Nov.15.  The scientist is one of the 35 Outstanding Professional of the Year awardees recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Foundation of the Outstanding Professionals, Inc. He was distinguished for his contributions in […]

Dr. Flordeliza H. Bordey, DA-PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Special Concerns, is one of this year’s Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardees recognized on Nov. 15 in a virtual ceremony where President Rodrigo Duterte bestowed the awards. Dr. Bordey, who has been in government service for 21 years, is a distinguished economist, policy advocate, and rice research for development practitioner. She currently serves as the head of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund […]

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) sealed an agreement to work together in joint projects in agriculture and sustainable use of natural resources, Nov. 11. MATE is one of the largest agricultural-focused, multi-disciplinary higher education institutions in Europe. The cooperation includes plant breeding and associated technologies, biotechnology, sustainable nature development, food safety and quality, training and educational programs, […]

Rice stakeholders need to collaborate to develop game-changing strategies for the rice sector in the new normal. Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, undersecretary for regional development of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), stressed this in her speech during the Ugnay Palay: 33rd National Rice R4D e-conference, hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), Nov. 4-5. “As the government continues to develop strategies in the rice industry […]

Availability and access to credible and updated information prove to be particularly crucial as this pandemic grinds on. But with or without pandemic, knowledge on rice production is important to sustain an efficient and productive rice industry. Notwithstanding stringent health and safety protocols, various capacity enhancement initiatives were conducted by DA-PhilRice Midsayap for its staff members, rice farmers, and other rice stakeholders. In August, 11 Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) […]

The graduate If you thought people of age are stubborn and not open to modern ideas, meet Nanay Cecilia F. Tagobador, 54-year-old farmer from Bago City, Negros Occidental. She is one of the 125 farmers who graduated from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Farmer Field School facilitated by MBA Forest Technical School Inc. under the auspices of the RCEF Extension program. “We learned that spraying pesticide should not be […]