The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Midsayap, North Cotabato has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to conduct skills training and enhancement on rice production for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries. 
Over 600 4Ps beneficiaries from Libungan, Aleosan, and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato will be trained on rice production specifically on pests and diseases management, chemical handling, and sustainable farming.
The P7M project funded through DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program aims to assist and provide farmers with technology and farm inputs for rice production. It will also empower communities to be food-sufficient and improve their access to basic needs.
“PhilRice and DSWD will work together to help 4Ps beneficiaries become self-reliant by venturing in various entrepreneurial farming activities,” said Gina D. Balleras, PhilRice Midsayap supervising science research specialist.
“We will conduct activities on the recent updates and advances in rice science and technologies such as on high-yielding varieties, improved crop management practices (PalayCheck System), Palayamanan Plus, ecological engineering-based pest management, pesticide management, and agroentrepreneurship. At the end of the training, communities are expected to be equipped with the skills necessary to be successful in rice farming,” she added.
Representatives from both implementing agencies were present during the project launch on 29 Sept during the station’s Farmers’ Field Day and Forum.
The Field Day also served as an avenue for information dissemination on coping strategies on El Niño.
