The Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) conducted a national retooling workshop on field protocols and operations for the regional implementers of the Department of Agriculture (DA), February 21-24. “We are using state of the art tools (smart phone, internet, satellite, cloud computing, crop model) in our information system. To optimize the benefits of these tools and to cope with the fast pace of technology development for efficiency, reliability, and easiness, […]

PhilRice in partnership with the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), launched the book Mushroom Feast: A Collection of Filipino Mushroom Recipes, in Cabanatuan City, February 22. The book aims topromote mushroom production as an important component of Palayamanan Plus, an integrated, intensified, and diversified rice and rice-based farming system. Mushroom production serves as an additional source of income for farmers through the development of high-quality food and production of feed supplement […]

Ten Muslim farmers from Butig, Lanao del Sur participated in a three-day training program titled Technology updating on hybrid rice production at PhilRice, February 28-March 2. The hybrid rice varieties, mechanical transplanter, integrated pest management, and best farming practices were introduced to the farmer-participants. They also visited the FutureRice farm and seed processing facility of the Institute. “PhilRice experts taught us about the high-yielding varieties such as hybrid rice and the […]

With the changing climate and environment, rice researchers have explored a more efficient method called precision breeding to improve the traits of existing rice varieties. In a recent seminar conducted at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dr. Rosalyn B. Angeles-Shim, assistant professor from Nagoya University in Japan, said that scientists practice precision breeding through marker-assisted selection to increase yield of rice and enhance its tolerance to biotic and abiotic […]

The National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) has recently approved 25 new varieties developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Philippine-Sino Center for Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT), Syngenta, and LongPing Philippines. Dr. Oliver Manangkil, NSIC coordinator and head of the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division of PhilRice, said in this batch of newly NSIC-approved varieties, the IRRI-bred […]

A social media challenge called #BROWN4good initiated by the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has received a massive hashtag support from the netizens, resulting in more than a million pesos worth of brown rice distributed to chosen charities nationwide. Carried out from August 28 to December 5, 2016, the #BROWN4good Challenge enjoined the netizens to consume at least a cup of brown rice, take a […]

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña recognized PhilRice’s role in scientific work and inducted some of its able scientists and researchers as new members of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science (PHILAAS) during his visit to the Institute, January 24. The newly-inducted PHILAAS members are Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, PhilRice acting deputy executive director for research; Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, PhilRice acting deputy […]

DA Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and National Rice and Corn Programs Deputy Director Federico E. Laciste Jr. was given a tour at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, January 17. Laciste visited various facilities and laboratories including the Palayamanan Plus site, FutureRice Farm, Seed Processing Center, Rice Engineering and Mechnization Division, and the Rice Science Museum. He was also briefed on PhilRice’s R&D […]

Of the 23 local government units (LGU) and 39 schools from Metro Manila, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon and San Antonio Elementary School – Silverio Annex in Parañaque City were declared as grand winners in the Search for RICEponsible Champions conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), December 27. Baybay City, Leyte and Molave, Zamboanga del Sur received the second and third prize, respectively, in […]

PhilRice Acting Executive Director, Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, was awarded as Outstanding Agricultural Researcher during the 46th National Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, December 12. Abdula was recognized for his significant contributions in the research and development of NSIC Rc120 (Matatag 6) and Rc226 (Tubigan 20). These varieties were developed and released to address the tungro rice disease infestation in Southern Mindanao. He was also […]