After a week of field and classroom sessions, 26 participants from the National Irrigation Administration Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems II (NIA UPRIIS-II) and Irrigators Association (IAs) officers completed their basic rice production training at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
The training deepened their understanding of rice production through hands-on activities and discussions based on the PalayCheck System—a package of technologies that helps farmers increase yield and lower production costs.
Participants learned how to prepare proper seedbeds, operate manual seeder and plastic drum seeder, and assess pest and disease conditions in the field.
“The field activity really became my favorite because the trainers from PhilRice were very hands-on. You truly get to experience things firsthand, so you really need to be disciplined,” expressed Jerra Mikka P. Duldulao, irrigators development officer.
Duldulao shared that the training motivated her to pass on what she learned to farmers, knowing that it could help improve their yields and income.
“I have learned many valuable lessons and I am committed to ensuring that this journey doesn’t end here. I will share the knowledge I have gained, as it can help farmers improve their crop yields and enhance their economic viability through advanced agricultural technologies,” Duldulao said.
Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive director for development, encouraged the participants to apply the “3Ps”— purpose, perseverance, and puso (heart)—to effectively utilize learnings to rice farmers.
This initiative is part of PhilRice’s strengthened partnership with NIA to bolster credibility and confidence among staff and IA leaders as frontliners in disseminating modern farm technologies and innovations to rice communities.
