Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the country’s lead agency on rice research and development, advances “Better Rice Communities” as the cornerstone of its 38th anniversary celebrations on Nov. 6-8.
Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban said that the theme is “very timely and relevant” in light of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ directive to enhance local production of priority commodities including rice.
“This year’s celebration theme, ‘Better Rice Communities,’ is very timely and relevant as we push not only for accessible and affordable rice, but also high quality, safe, and nutritious rice for healthier and productive Filipino families and communities,” he said.
He also commended Institute officials, staff, and partners of PhilRice for “their innovativeness, diligence, and unwavering public service that deliver solutions, bring results with positive impacts, and inspire collaborations for development.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Baby Armi L. Alvarez of Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija acknowledged the significance of PhilRice work amidst climate change and other challenges to food security.
“By developing new rice varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and innovative farming practices that conserve water and soil fertility, PhilRice is helping to ensure that Filipinos will continue to have access to affordable and nutritious rice,” she said.
She added that the local government unit is “proud to be home to PhilRice” and its ‘Riceponsable’ citizens and pledged continued collaboration with PhilRice to foster a conducive environment for agricultural research and development.
This year, the Institute has helped crafted the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program – one of the government’s landmark, improved farmers’ yield and income through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Seed and Rice Extension Services Programs, and responded to the threat of El Niño by distributing early maturing and drought-resistant crop varieties, promoting information, and facilitating easy access to knowledge through various channels.
PhilRice has recently been awarded “Asia’s Best Employer Brand” from the Employer Branding Institute-India and the “GADtimpala Silver for Outstanding Gender-Responsive Agency” and “Bronze for the Exemplary GAD Focal Point System” from the Philippine Commission on Women.
The Licensing Executives Society International has also conferred on PhilRice the Innovation Award (research institution category) for its Multi-purpose Seeder while the Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. bestowed four awards to the Institute’s communications group.
Moreover, the Central Experiment Station has passed its September ISO external audit and is expected to be re-certified with three ISO standards: ISO 9001 Quality Management System (MS); 14001 Environmental MS, and 45001 Occupational Health and Safety MS.
