The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) will test local rice varieties for a food processing application that produces low-protein rice, a healthier alternative for people suffering from kidney disease and diabetes. The research on protein rice will be implemented using Biotech Japan Corporation`s propriety technology. Biotech Japan Corporation is an exclusive manufacturer of plant-origin lactic acid bacteria, a naturally-occurring element found in grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans that can be […]

The Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. and San Miguel Corporation recognized the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the field of communication during the recent 2014 Binhi Awards at Diamond Hotel, Manila. With The Manila Times and The Philippine Star in the lead, the Binhi Awards “honors the continuing efforts of print and broadcast journalists for their reportage on the major developments and issues in the country’s agriculture, fisheries, environment, food, […]

The local government unit of Bamban, Tarlac plans to adopt the national program dubbed as Upland Rice Development Program (URDP). The program will prioritize the indigenous peoples, particularly, the Aetas to help them become rice sufficient and food secured, according to the agricultural extension worker assigned in Bamban. Roderick Castro, an agricultural extension worker in Bamban for 17 years, said that their local chief executive, Jose Antonio Feliciano wanted to […]

Supporting the social contract of President Benigno S. Aquino III with the Filipinos, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) promotes strategies on optimizing farms through series of field days conducted across the country during the last two months. The activities are under the Rural Transformation Movement operationalizing within one of PhilRice campaigns dubbed as Gusto Namin Milyonaryo Kayo. The campaign aims to change tillers’ behavior on farm enterprise. Ronan Zagado, […]

The academe sector encourages elementary and high school students to take courses related to agriculture or specialize in the area to sustain the country`s food security. Dr. Crisanto Ecija, DepED NCR Regional Coordinator of Brigada Eskwela, said that youth may not value rice as they do not know how they are produced.

Rice consumers were treated with healthy ways of eating rice at major food establishments in Metro Manila during the Rice Mix Day, Nov 21. As part of the country`s celebration of National Rice Awareness Month, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and members of Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines served rice mixed with corn, adlai, camote or other staples to help consumers get more nutrients. Hazel V. Antonio, activity lead, said […]

Brown rice (BR) is healthier than white rice. A simple germination process can even more enhance the health-promoting properties of BR. The study, Development and Evaluation of Functional Beverage with Germinated Brown Rice as Base Ingredient by Rodel Bulatao, Jody Chaves, and Dr. Marissa Romero from the Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division proved that germination can make the healthy BR more nutritious. The study was the Grand Slam Winner […]

The Department of Agriculture (DA) leads on Monday the celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this Nov through recitation of the Panatang Makapalay and exhibits on ways for Filipinos to help the country have enough rice. In the kick-off ceremony, DA Sec. Proceso J. Alcala emphasized the need for Filipinos to stay healthy more than having their enough fill of rice. He urged the public to consider eating […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) honored more than 100 of its research and development workers during its employees’ recognition day, Nov. 7. The officials, led by Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr, executive director, commended 2 international awardees; 7, national; and 2, regional. Recipients of 3 international best poster awards; 19, national; 7, best paper international awards; and 12, national were also recognized. “We are a globally competitive organization, which […]

The Philippines, which achieved 97-percent rice self-sufficiency last year, is now the Asia`s fastest rice producer after registering a 4.04 -percent average change improvement in milled rice production from 2010-2013.