In line with the administration’s ongoing thrust for a thriving agriculture sector, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has provided training to more than 56,000 rice farmers and their dependents in 2023. TESDA Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu said that 56,654 rice farmers and their family members completed various agriculture and agriculture-related courses offered by the agency under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) scholarship program. […]

Farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) have achieved gains from its programs’ services including provision of certified seeds, training, and communication support. In the programs’ review being held at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) on Feb. 6-8, implementers reported that seed recipients increased their average yield as shown in the midterm and seasonal monitoring and evaluation surveys conducted in the 42 original target provinces of the RCEF Seed […]

The local government unit of Sta. Cruz, Zambales has recently enacted two ordinances that aim to help farmers save on planting and fertilizer costs.  The ordinances, focused on increased adoption of the direct-seeded rice (DSR) system and the integration of the balanced fertilization strategy (BFS) program or Abonong Swak are technologies recommended by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that 20% of the […]

Government agencies at the forefront of climate change mitigation recently outlined their strategies at a policy forum held in Quezon City.  The forum, organized by the Policy Research and Advocacy Project of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), addressed the lack of provisions, fragmented funding, and low farmer compliance with agricultural emission reduction targets. Representatives from national agencies including the Department of Agriculture and provincial local government offices discussed the […]

Seed growers in Burgos, Isabela have been supplying enough certified seeds to the municipality through the assistance of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.   Fenora G. Martinez, Burgos OIC-municipal agriculturist, said that unlike before, the town no longer worries about farmers’ access to certified inbred seeds, which studies show can increase yield by 10% or more. Certified seeds are relatively pure, have fewer weed seeds, free from visible […]

A local agricultural official in San Gabriel, La Union, reported a significant increase in the town’s average yield, following its participation in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) PalaySikatan technology demonstration from the 2022 dry season to 2023 wet season. Municipal agriculturist Rizalina T. Quiros said that the town recorded a 1t/ha increase from 5.02 to 6.03t/ha. The RCEF site showcased national recommended varieties (NSIC Rc 222, Rc 216, and […]

The Katipunan Magading Farmers’ Association (KAMAFA) in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, has seen significant growth following the completion of specialized training under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services (RCEF RESP) program.  Milona B. Villanueva, KAMAFA chair, reported that association members have increased their average rice harvest from 6t/ha to 9t/ha. Villanueva attributes this 3t/ha improvement to the adoption of synchronous planting following a 30-day rest period and Minus-One-Element […]

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently launched ‘PalayCheck App’, a new smartphone application, designed to make PalayCheck – a rice integrated cropping system, more interactive and accessible for stakeholders.  The PalayCheck System recommends nine keychecks for crop management areas, including seed quality, land preparation, crop establishment, and management of nutrients, water, pests, harvest, and postharvest. The PalayCheck App serves as the mobile counterpart of this system with easy-to-use features for […]

With the drafting of its strategic plan for 2023-2028, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is supporting the recently announced three-year plan of the Department of Agriculture (DA). PhilRice, the country’s lead agency on rice research and development, will roll out research for development and extension banner programs that are more integrated and focused on achieving better rice farming communities.  The programs include the Rice Seeds Systems that caters to necessities […]

A transformative shift has been observed in Camiguin as first-time planters adopt the use of certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).  Implementers have monitored Eduardo and Aida Jardin, farmers in Mambajao, who have seen significant yield increases from their 0.2-ha land area. The Jardins reported more than 2 tons yield after planting the certified inbred seeds.  They praised the variety’s yield, early maturity, uniformity of the […]