Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Ligao City, Albay launches new technology demonstration sites under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program this dry season 2023.
Called PalaySikatan, the techno demo will showcase the performance of the region’s national and regional recommended varieties in Prieto Diaz in Sorsogon, Oas in Albay, and Mobo in Masbate. Mechanized farming will also be promoted to help farmers become competitive in rice production.
Jerry Villamor, one of the new farmer cooperators from Mobo, Masbate, said they are eager to learn new technologies and willing to try the new varieties for increased yield and income.
“Despite the availability of a transplanter in our area, there is no available trained operator. We hope through this demo, we can learn how to use it and make rice farming fun and faster,” he said.
The RCEF Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allocates P3 billion fund every year for seed requirements of rice farmers to help them produce high-quality rice. LGUs, lawmakers and partners assist in its implementation.
