Filipino rice farmers are expected to benefit from more practical technologies as the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) intensifies efforts to develop and commercialize farm-ready innovations.
The Institute’s Business Development Division’s Intellectual Property Management–Innovation and Technology Support Office (PhilRice BDD IPM-ITSO) recently received the Platinum Award from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) during the recent ITSO Presidents’ Summit in Parañaque City.
The award recognizes outstanding performance in intellectual property development, technology commercialization, and IP awareness initiatives.
“This recognition highlights our commitment to transforming research outputs into protected, accessible, and farmer-friendly technologies,” said Atty. Jerry C. Serapion, IPM-ITSO manager.
Among the latest technologies filed for patent protection are a cabinet-type solar dryer for mushrooms and other crops, a mechanized weeder that reduces manual labor, and a thresher specially designed for traditional rice varieties.
Other innovations include a riding-type paddy seeder, disc-type furrow opener, and a mobile application that analyzes rice grain traits to support quality control.
To expand the reach of these technologies, PhilRice has also partnered with local manufacturers to license out machines such as the reversible dryer, microtiller, laboy tiller, multicrop reduce-till planter, and seed cleaner.
Serapion said that these arrangements aim to ensure that innovative tools developed by researchers are produced commercially and made available to farmers across the country.
“We continue to guide our researchers in protecting their innovations through patents, utility models, industrial designs, and copyrights. This is essential to bringing these technologies from the lab to the field,” he added.
PhilRice BDD Head Fidela P. Bongat said the award affirms the Institute’s efforts to support rice farmers through accessible science-based solutions.
“Awards like this motivate us to keep working toward innovations that are not only useful but also officially recognized and trusted,” Bongat said.
PhilRice has received several recognitions from IPOPHL in recent years. In 2015, it was given the “Anak ni Juan Award” for securing multiple patents and international patent applications. In 2018, it received the “Gawad Yamang Isip: Special Award” for having the most patents granted among government institutions. It was conferred the Gold Award in 2023 for its 2022 performance, including 12 IP awareness activities and patent seminars. The 2024 Platinum Award recognizes its continued excellence in 2023.
