The Binhi e-Padala system of Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program has improved the convenience for senior farmers in claiming certified inbred seeds from the program. Dominga Caranta, a 72-year-old farmer from Rosario, La Union, expressed her gratitude for the digital technology that eliminated the need for her to wake up early and skip breakfast to join the long queues for seed distribution. Through the Binhi e-Padala system, farmers […]

Just before the recent announcement of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the arrival of El Niño, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program has already delivered almost 2 million bags of certified seeds that included early-maturing varieties across the country.  Experts at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said early-maturing varieties are recommended during El Niño as these can be harvested before the drought intensifies so […]

As a contribution to the country’s bid for rice security, Korea’s Official Development Aid grants the Philippines with facilities that will improve the Philippine rice supply chain. Under the project, “Improving the rice supply chain to ensure quality of rice seeds and milled rice for distribution and buffer stocks in the Philippines,” Korea will allot USD 4.5M until 2026 to enhance rice seed distribution in the country. As one of […]

To help in the government’s implementation of a long-term solution to raise agricultural productivity, PhilRice launched its new vision, “Advanced science and technology for prosperous rice-farming communities toward sufficient and affordable rice for all.” Detailed in the Institute’s new five-year strategic plan, the vision directs its banner programs from the commodity-focused to the people-centric outlook recognizing that the prosperity of farmers and their communities is key to having sufficient and […]

Ifugao farmer associations significantly increased their capital through a roll-over scheme, which uses the certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.  Andres dela Cruz Jr., RCEF coordinator of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Isabela reported that in the 2022 dry season, 13 associations in Alfonso Lista grew their capital from P230,000 to P370,000. The associations are members of PhilRice’s Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) […]

A recent study has proven that rice grown with azolla between its rows can yield 4-5.3t/ha at a production cost of only P3.84/kg after continuous incorporation. Azolla is an aquatic fern that hosts Anabaena azollea cyanobacteria, which convert nitrogen into ammonia that nourishes rice plants when incorporated into the soil. Cielo Luz Mondejar-Bello, a member of the Negros station-based research team, said they tested azolla as the source of nutrients […]

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program has reached three provinces covered by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Bicol as local authorities gear up for an extensive distribution of certified inbred rice seeds this 2023 wet season. Under the allocation plan, Northern Samar is slated to receive 11,227 bags of certified seeds while  Eastern Samar will be provided with 11,347 bags. Leyte will benefit from a substantial allocation […]

New areas covered by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program in Caraga and Northern Mindanao expressed gratitude for inclusion in the certified inbred rice seed distribution. Starting this 2023 wet season, farmers in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat, and Camiguin will benefit from seed allocation of 10,800, 2,100, and 260 sacks, respectively. Karen Olpos, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Dinagat Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), emphasized the program’s significance in […]

PhilRice in the Central Experiment Station receives 95% satisfaction rate from its learners during the first quarter indicating that the Institute has met their educational goals in their visit. To sustain learner satisfaction, branch stations will be oriented on the headquarter’s best practices for accommodating learners and designing their itineraries to fulfill their learning objectives. This knowledge and sharing activity already kicked off in the Negros station. From Jan. to […]

Farmers in Tarlac will again receive certified inbred rice seeds as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program resumes its operations for the 2023 wet season with a kick-off ceremony and technical briefing held at the Diwa ng Tarlac Convention Center, April 14. Under the RCEF Seed Program implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the province will receive nearly 80,000 bags of certified inbred seeds, covering an […]