President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) for its vital role in advancing the nation’s agricultural sector during the recent 50th Gawad Saka awarding ceremonies held at its Central Experiment Station in Nueva Ecija.
He commended the Institute for developing high-yield rice varieties, empowering farmers through training, and implementing impactful programs under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
As PhilRice approaches its 40th founding anniversary this November, Marcos assured continued government support. He emphasized the importance of maintaining stable buying prices through the National Food Authority to protect farmers from market volatility.
The President also led the turnover of 16 mobile soil testing laboratories from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management to DA regional offices, further strengthening the country’s commitment to science-based farming.
Additionally, the chief executive signed “The PhilRice Story,” a book documenting the Institute’s legacy and co-authored by its first executive director, Dr. Santiago R. Obien and Dr. Virginia A. Duldulao.
The book chronicles PhilRice’s establishment in 1985 and its evolution into its current role in developing and deploying rice technologies for Filipino farmers.
The event, organized by the Agricultural Training Institute, was also attended by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and other key officials.