Features

La Union farmer sticks with RCEF-introduced variety, sees higher yields after disease setback

SAN JUAN, La Union — While many farmers in Barangay Duplas abandoned the rice variety NSIC Rc 512 after bacterial leaf blight, rice blast, and sheath blight hit during the 2025 wet season, farmer Jerry M. Abat chose to keep planting it. Abat, a cooperator under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) PalaySikatan 2.0 technology […]
Blind farmer continues rice farming with son’s help, support programs

As the country works to strengthen support for farmers, a rice grower who lost his eyesight continues to cultivate his land with the help of his son, showing how family support and access to government programs can help sustain agriculture. At the edge of his rice field in Brgy. Tariken, Sultan Mastura, Abdulkadir T. Adam […]
Island farmers continue mechanized transplanting after rice project

RAPU-RAPU, Albay — Rice farmers in this island municipality have continued using mechanized transplanting even after a techno demo was completed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. For years, transplanting in Rapu-Rapu was done entirely by hand as transporting heavy machinery to the island posed logistical and cost challenges. The introduction of […]
Young farmer champions farm app

With a smartphone in one hand and a rice seedling in the other, 28-year-old Rovie A. Dela Peña of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, is promoting a modern approach to rice farming. Dela Peña trains farmers to use the PalayCheck App, a digital guide for rice production that helps farmers plan each cropping season, track […]
Bamboo-bin dryer boosts rice quality, cuts costs

Farmers beyond the Ilocos Region are embracing a low-cost bamboo-bin dryer promoted by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Batac, Ilocos Norte. This postharvest technology is transforming how palay is dried, making the process more affordable, efficient, and reliable. Jovelyn Mandalihan of Brgy. Laon, Mogpog, Marinduque, first heard about the dryer through […]