For its significant impact in boosting the agriculture sector, the Philippine Rice Research Institute was recognized as one of the Department of Agriculture’s top-performing agencies during the DA Performance Appreciation System awarding ceremony held on April 29 at the BSWM Lopez Convention Hall, Quezon City. The recognition underscores the Institute’s role in driving science-based solutions and programs that strengthen the rice industry and contribute to the country’s food security agenda.

Encouraged by fellow farmer Lorinda Tubino, Corazon Buenaventura of Barangay Jasaan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, tries the walk-behind rice transplanter promoted under the PalaySikatan 2.0 of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program. Buenaventura said she was initially hesitant but later appreciated the machine’s ease of use. Tubino has been sharing her experience of using the machine, which reduced her need for labor from 11 workers to three, lowering her transplanting […]

The DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Midsayap provided high-quality rice seeds and training to former MILF and MNLF combatants at the recent Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization Caravan in Lamitan City. The initiative, part of the government’s peace and reintegration efforts, equips former fighters with climate-resilient rice varieties and modern farming techniques to improve productivity and income. PhilRice branch director Dr. Sailila E. Abdula (5th from R) and RCEF Program […]

To help farmers maximize water use and improve irrigation efficiency, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), have trained about 130 NIA Region 1 staff on Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and other water-saving technologies. Held in four batches at PhilRice Batac, the two-day training provided hands-on learning on the said technology that can reduce water […]

To strengthen policy advocacy for rice farming, the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) conducted a policy writing consultation led by Atty. Jay B. Villafria Jr. of Central Luzon State University (standing 10th from left). Organized by the Policy Research and Advocacy Project (PRAP) under PhilRice’s Socioeconomics Division, the session focused on crafting effective policy briefs and understanding local governance frameworks. Villafria emphasized the urgency of aligning agricultural policies with climate […]

Efren Ebalida, a farmer-cooperator in Iba, Zambales, lauded the walk-behind transplanter as “time-saving and cost-efficient” during the recent RCEF PalaySikatan 2.0 ceremonial crop establishment. The machine, he said, reduced his labor costs from P10,000 to just P3,000 per hectare, requiring only four to five laborers to complete the task in 12 hours. The event also highlighted NSIC Rc 534 and modern farming technologies that boost yields, increase farmers’ income, and […]

Farmer Ramil B. Ballejo from Panay, Capiz credited Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET) for his abundant harvest of 7t/ha and 50% savings from fertilizer cost. This soil testing technology is promoted in the PalaySikatan 2.0 technology demonstration farms under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Midsayap, North Cotabato has recently earned the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification with a perfect score of 100%, marking a significant milestone in the station’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and ethical farming practices. The certification follows a comprehensive evaluation of the station’s 64-hectare rice seed production area, facilities, and seed production site at the University of Southern Mindanao. Inspectors from the Bureau […]

PhilRice Midsayap marked the 2024 National Rice Awareness Month with the “Be RICEponsible” campaign, engaging communities through interactive and educational activities. Highlights included the “Roots and Shoots” transplanting event with pupils of Simeon Panganiban Elementary School, a Color Fun Run involving staff and residents, and the “Mom’s Rice Rumble” cooking contest, where parents showcased black rice recipes. The celebration also featured lectures on agriculture careers, Malusog Rice orientation, and rice-themed […]

Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) has equipped 150 rice farmers in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, for the 2025 dry season. The farmers received 200 sacks of NSIC Rc 160 certified inbred seeds, along with RCEF information, education, and communication materials aimed at increasing yields, reducing costs, and improving income. Known for its resilience and high yield, NSIC Rc 160 will help farmers better manage environmental challenges. In a video message, Sen. […]