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, […]

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. […]