DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to operate an eddy covariance flux tower that will support rice research and environmental monitoring. The tower erected at PhilRice in Nueva Ecija can collect data on greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide and methane, and monitor energy and water vapor exchanged between rice fields and the atmosphere. Tracking the gases released […]

Agri-engineers from DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva Ecija have developed an AutoBoat Tractor—a tractor that uses hand levers for steering and can be operated with minimal physical effort, ideal for older farmers, women, and youth. The machine was engineered based on the common boat-style tractors used by Southeast Asian countries. It aims to make land preparation faster and more affordable for farmers. In terms of cost, a single […]

An official in a Department of Agriculture (DA)-attached institute has been named recipient of the 2025 DA-Khush Award of Distinction, the highest honor given to crop scientists in the Philippines, for research that helped increase harvests, preserve traditional rice varieties, and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Dr. John C. de Leon, DA–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) executive director, was awarded during the 28th scientific conference of the Federation of Plant Science Associations […]

The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) has delivered more than 2.5 million bags (20kg/bag) of certified inbred seeds for the 2025 wet season, with a delivery timeliness rate of 94%. From March to July this year, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program completed 3,339 out of 3,569 scheduled drop-offs on time. PhilRice RCEF Program Management Office Director Dr. Flordeliza H. Bordey explained that the timeliness rate […]

More than 500 seed growers nationwide attended the first Seed Growers’ Cooperatives and Associations (SGCA) General Assembly organized by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. Held in Nueva Ecija, Iloilo, and Davao from April to May, the assembly assessed the performance of SGCAs engaged in Phase 1 of the RCEF Seed Program, defined policies for the program’s second phase, and shared best practices among seed growers. “This is […]

Gamu, Isabela – Cagayan Valley is  leading the technology demonstration for PSB Rc 86, a health-enhancing rice variety, which recorded yield ranging 5.5-6.4t/ha, as demonstrated during its first harvest here, July 24. PSB Rc 86, a variety developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) initially for saline conditions, has a glycemic index (GI) of 51.1, categorizing it as low-GI that is beneficial for managing diabetes. Philippine Statistics Authority data […]

The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently urged rice farmers in Central Luzon and the Bicol Region to step up field surveillance as wet‑season weather is expected to fuel pest and disease outbreaks. A Bureau of Plant Industry report flags brown planthopper (BPH), bacterial leaf blight (BLB), rice blast, rice stemborer, and rodents as the top threats for the July‑to‑September quarter. “Cloudy, rainy days with temperatures of 25‑30 °C […]

A scientist from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has been recognized by Central Luzon State University (CLSU) for groundbreaking work on “weedy rice,” a major but often overlooked threat to rice productivity. Edwin C. Martin, crop protection specialist at PhilRice, was named one of CLSU’s outstanding alumni during the university’s 61st College of Agriculture foundation day for leading the first comprehensive study on the biology, distribution, and potential uses of weedy […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is partnering with a state university in Negros Occidental to strengthen research and development of rice-based food products that could create new income streams for farmers and small food entrepreneurs. Through its Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division (RCFSD), PhilRice provides funding and technical support for food science and nutrition research while gathering local consumer data and market studies in the region. The collaboration […]

In time for the 2025 Nutrition Month celebration, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Negros Occidental has marked its first harvest of high-zinc rice through a ceremonial “Unang Ani” on July 3 at the station’s experimental fields. “With Nutrition Month putting the spotlight on healthy food, our high-zinc rice shows that the solution to hidden hunger can begin right at our dining table,” said Ommal H. Abdulkadil, PhilRice Negros […]