PalaySikatan – a technology demonstration farm by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program provided a venue for farmers in the Bicol Region to know more about modern rice production. “I learned the proper way of cultivating rice through PalaySikatan. I used to immediately spray pesticide on my crop at the sight of insects. Now, I first check whether the insects are beneficial or harmful to my crop, and whether […]

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) lauds the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) for having the highest number of active scientists in the Scientific Career System (SCS). In the recent oath-taking ceremony of newly conferred and upgraded scientists, DOST Secretary Dr. Fortunato T. Dela Peña commends PhilRice after three of its experts landed in this year’s ranking. “[With 12 scientists — nine Scientist I and three Scientist II], […]

These holidays, a food scientist in the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) urged the public to patronize locally-grown rice as it is safe and of good quality. In a webinar aired on the Institute’s social media page, Dr. Marissa V. Romero shared a study comparing pesticide use in rice farms in the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. “The study shows that Filipino farmers use less pesticide,” she said. […]

Well leveling of rice fields reduces farm damages caused by inefficient water flow and uneven distribution of fertilizer according to an expert from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). “A farmer could be targeting 100 sacks per hectare but if his/her field is poorly prepared, we expect a yield loss of 5 sacks per hectare or 5%,” Elmer Bautista of PhilRice Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division said in […]

As farmers prepare for dry season, the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated (Rice Board) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) promoted the local public hybrid to rice tillers. In a recent webinar, Rice Board Pres. Recher Ondap said the activity aimed to transfer technologies that could increase yield and lower production cost on rice production, which include cultivating Mestizo 1 and Mestiso 20. Studies show that […]

Farmer-cooperators in Brgy. Lagui-sail, Laoag City harvested 6t/ha from the usual 4 t/ha this wet season by adopting the recommended inbred rice varieties and farm machines. Demonstrated in PalaySikatan – a demonstration area showcasing technologies promoted by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program, national and regional recommended varieties including NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, and Rc 160 showed good performance. City Agriculturist Marilyn G. Martin said that farmers were impressed […]

Batac City, Ilocos Norte – Participants here of the first batch of Training of Trainers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) are now equipped to help enhance farmers’ competitiveness. Sonia V. Pojas, RCEF training coordinator in the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), said that trainees showed dedication and commitment during the course, which was completed last week of November.      The 15 participants who underwent two […]

Specialist-graduates of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) will train farmers on modern rice farming in Agusan del Norte come next year. Trained on PalayCheck – an integrated rice production system, agriculturists in the local government of Cabadbaran City said that they will conduct series of training to irrigation system members and farmers through Farmer Field School. The rice specialists were also trained on operating farm machines […]

Recent graduates of the Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) were urged to continue living by the mission to help the Filipino rice farmers. Karen Eloisa Barroga, deputy executive director of Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), said PhilRice training courses were enhanced with a module that ignites the sense of passion to help Filipino rice farmers among its trainees. […]

Three advocacy groups were selected as recipients during the Institute’s December activities.  “As the world fights this pandemic, it is only just to share more of our blessings to groups who are trying to make a difference in these challenging times,” Dr. John C. de Leon, DA-PhilRice Executive Director, said.  Proceeds from the activities were given to Talikala Inc. (talikala – Cebuano word for chain), a human rights group against […]