The Philippine Rice Research (PhilRice) kicked off the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) with a celebration of its 32nd founding anniversary with the theme Charting the course of a rice-secure Philippines, November 6-7.
The country’s lead agency in rice research for development honored more than 100 of its rice workers for their external and peer recognitions, scientific productivity, scholastic, and loyalty awards during the Dangal ng PhilRice Awarding Ceremonies.
“Keeping the relevance of PhilRice through charting the course of rice-secure Philippines relies essentially on its men and women. For more than three decades, we have shown our partners and clients that we are an Institute of steadfast government workers,” said Dr. Sailila Abdula, PhilRice executive director.
In 2016-2017, PhilRice produced over 30 publications for ISI and non-ISI journals, 8 book and book chapters, 11 best papers, and 124 best poster awards.
Thirty-two years also allowed the Institute to breed more than 70 rice varieties and develop technologies, development initiatives, and policy recommendations to help Filipino farmers.
Among the technologies that have been adopted by farmers are the integrated crop management techniques, such as the PalayCheck System and Palayamanan Plus.
“In 32 years, the Institute has reinvented itself, its programs and projects, to suit the needs of the rice stakeholders,” Adbula said.
With the Institute’s new vision, “Rice-secure Philippines,” PhilRice through its strategic plan for 2017-2022 shall help the country overcome challenges brought about by climate change, trade liberalization, and other highly significant issues that directly affect agriculture.
Since its establishment on November 5, 1985, PhilRice has radiated its impacts through its seven branch stations and two satellite offices in the country.
