Farmers in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, will continue to receive support from the Korea Partnership for Agriculture (KOPIA) even after the organization formally ended its operations in the Philippines. The partnership with the Batitang Agricultural Cooperative (BAC) has been extended until August this year, backed by a PhP1 million cash grant to improve postharvest facilities.  KOPIA has also provided Zaragoza farmers with training in sustainable farming, greenhouses for high-value crops, a […]

Nearly six years after the enactment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the Philippines’ rice sector has made significant strides, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the government, local authorities, farmers, and other stakeholders, according to recent data. Survey results show that initiatives such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the National Rice Program (NRP) have played a pivotal role in the sector’s growth by empowering farmers and […]

As the nation prepares to commemorate Rizal Day on Dec. 30, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) draws inspiration from the words of Dr. Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future,” by empowering the youth to take an active role in agriculture and leadership through its BeRICEponsible Leadership Camp. Recently pilot-tested at the RICEsParK in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the camp aims to mold […]

Filipino farmers are set to benefit from the extended implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) under the amended Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078), which extends the program until 2031. With an annual budget tripled from P10 billion to P30 billion, RCEF aims to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability through expanded programs, modern technologies, and strengthened farmer support mechanisms. The additional funding will enhance initiatives such as soil health […]

With diabetes rising as the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines, PhilRice food scientists are exploring rice varieties better suited for people with the medical condition. They are investigating rice with low glycemic indexes (GI) to help manage blood sugar levels. According to Dr. Marissa V. Romero, a food scientist, white rice is the primary source of carbohydrates for most Filipinos, and excessive rice consumption often contributes to […]

As communities across Aurora province grapple with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pepito, Casiguran farmers remain resilient showing their willingness to try the walk-behind rice transplanter introduced in a ceremonial crop establishment, Dec. 16-17.  Jaime E. Bautista, 65, who faced a dramatic 73% reduction in his rice harvest, praised the machine’s cost-efficiency during the PalaySikatan 2.0 technology demonstration of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.  “I usually spend about P10,000 per […]

Development communication specialists, Joshua P. Mendoza and Carlo G. Dacumos, of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have been recently recognized for their excellence in journalism and photography. Mendoza, science research specialist and Climate Tracker Asia reporter, won the Best Online Story award at the 17th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards for his report on the potential role of climate change in the migration of fall armyworm in the Philippines. […]

In response to ongoing agricultural challenges, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) emphasized the importance of scaling research for development (R4D) innovations during its 36th Ugnay Palay National Rice Research and Development Conference, Dec. 3-5.  The event, themed “Advancing Rice R4DE para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas (Advancing Rice R4DE for a Prosperous New Philippines),” featured a panel discussion on “Scaling R4D Innovations.”  Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive […]

Researchers rallied behind Malusog Rice during the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, stressing its potential to address nutrition and agricultural challenges by promoting healthier diets and improving rice yields. Conducted on Dec. 3-5, the conference featured the “Rise for Healthier Rice” exhibit, which highlighted Malusog Rice, a beta carotene-enriched variety, as a science-driven solution to micronutrient undernutrition. “We need Malusog Rice to provide consumers with […]

Amid a year marked by challenges, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the role of science and technology in sustaining the country’s rice sector during the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva Ecija, Dec. 3-5. Describing the year’s challenges as “perfect storm,” the secretary said that despite the high production costs, droughts, floods, and disruptions in the value chain that tested […]