“Filipino farmers are world-class.”  Cherrie Atilano, a social entrepreneur, proudly expressed to high school students and local farmers in a forum at PhilRice Agusan, 7 August. Atilano encouraged the attendees during the forum to value agriculture particularly rice farming. “I really want you to feel that you are world-class because you are feeding us every day,” Atilano said. The Negros-born entrepreneur also shared her story on how she developed her […]

The research paper titled Plant disease suppression by a plant-symbiotic endophytic fungus (Epichloë festucae) depends on its ability to produce an antifungal compound has identified a gene responsible for an endophyte’s plant host disease resistance-enhancing ability.  “Endophytes are either bacteria or fungi, which spend the whole or part of their life cycle inside a healthy host plant. Unlike pathogens, they don’t cause apparent symptoms of disease; some of them can […]

Comprising about 19% of the total labor cost in rice production, there, indeed, is a pressing need to look for new ways of doing land preparation.  The Reduced Tillage Technology (RTT) is an alternative system of land preparation for irrigated areas where plowing is not applied. Rice stubbles, weeds, and the scattered rice straws are pressed two to three times using the hand tractor’s paddy wheels attached with riding-type leveler […]

A study recently identified 25 new advanced breeding lines after rigorous selection for high temperature tolerance using conventional method and marker-assisted selection. Titled Development of new rice varieties for high temperature tolerance in the Philippines, the research was the bronze winner of the Gold AFMA Best R&D Paper Award. Dr. Norvie Manigbas, lead researcher, said that the development of rice varieties for high temperature tolerance is important in addressing climate […]

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 […]

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 […]

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Kara Patria C. David, The Outstanding Women in the Nation`s Service awardee for Broadcast Journalism in 2010, marked the Women’s Month celebration.