Maguindanao del Sur farmer Hanan K. Abedin, 36, has reported a 4 to 7t/ha yield increase since he began using eDamuhan, an app he learned in 2022 from the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) to help identify weeds. The app employs artificial intelligence and photo recognition to identify weed species. Farmers can browse its list of Philippine weed species, which includes their scientific and local names, their ill […]

PhilRice scientists and food technologists have developed a ready-to-eat, low-glycemic index (GI) fried rice that offers a healthier alternative for individuals with diabetes and a shelf-stable emergency food option for disaster-affected areas. The innovation comes in response to two pressing concerns: food insecurity and increasing cases of diabetes. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 44% of Filipinos experience moderate to severe food shortages, while diabetes ranked as […]

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) for its vital role in advancing the nation’s agricultural sector during the recent 50th Gawad Saka awarding ceremonies held at its Central Experiment Station in Nueva Ecija. He commended the Institute for developing high-yield rice varieties, empowering farmers through training, and implementing impactful programs under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). As PhilRice approaches its 40th founding anniversary this […]

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 […]