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 […]

To help farmers cope with the delayed and limited rainfall this wet season, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte has stepped up its efforts in promoting the multi-purpose seeder.  Recently introduced in Marcos, Ilocos Norte and Bauang, La Union, 68 farmers who are transitioning from transplanting to direct-seeding, have observed the benefits of using the machine. “Direct-seeding through this machine resulted in visible rows and growth, […]

Farmers in Buenavista, Quezon have increased their productivity by locally producing the seeds of Mestiso 20 or M20 introduced by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) in 2022 and have proven to be resilient to diseases and drought. One of the seed producers, Alex Simbajon, received training from DA-RFO and started growing M20 seeds in his 1.5 ha. He sold his seeds to other farmers in the area, including […]

Farmers in Laguna and Quezon have shown preference for the 500 series varieties, particularly NSIC Rc 512 and Rc 508, which were distributed by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. In RCEF technology demonstration sites called PalaySikatan, rice growers from Nagcarlan, Laguna, praised NSIC Rc 512 for its high tiller count, sturdiness, and disease resistance.  Meanwhile, farmers in Infanta, Quezon, preferred NSIC Rc 508 for its elongated grains […]