To promote the latest farming technologies developed by PhilRice, science and technology (S&T) updates were conducted for 109 farmers, municipal legislators, agriculturists, and extension workers in Nagtipunan and Cabbaroguis, Quirino, 21 Sept. and 5 Oct. 
“This activity is conducted in various municipalities, and provinces all over the country for legislators’ awareness so they can make informed decisions in the agriculture sector. This is also for farmers to increase their farm productivity despite the challenges we face today,” said Celia G. Abadilla, senior science research specialist, and study leader.
The municipal agriculturists, farmers, and councilors led by the vice-governor of Quirino, and vice-mayor of Nagtipunan, were briefed on the effectiveness of Rice Crop Manager, a computer and smartphone-based application developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and PhilRice that enables extension workers to provide specific recommendations on nutrient, pest, weed, or water management, depending on the variety used, previous season’s yield, and the conditions of the field.
Science Research Specialist II Mark Angelo A. Abando expressed that the S&T update is essential to local leaders as they are the decision-makers who will help push for advocacies that would benefit the farmers.
Topics discussed during the updates include the Philippine Rice Industry Scenario, climate change, and trade liberalization.
Farmers were also given an overview of the PalayCheck® System, an integrated rice crop management system that presents the best technology, and management practices.
“I’ve learned a lot from this activity. As a farmer, I now have an idea on what to do given the varying farming scenarios we encounter daily,” said Narciso Delum, one of the farmer-attendees.
Earlier this year, the S&T Updates have reached 603 farmers and legislators in Laur, Nueva Ecija; San Fernando and Mabalacat, Pampanga; Casiguran, and San Luis, Aurora; Orani, Bataan; Nasugbu, Batangas; and San Jose, and Mamburao, Mindoro.
Nagtipunan councilor Emilio M. Blanza Jr. supported the relevance of the event.
“This will help us legislators strategize our plans in the Agriculture sector, and would be utmost helpful to our extension workers on how they should teach our farmer-clients,” Blanza said.
