The DA-PhilRice charter, Executive Order No. 1061 (November 1985), mandates the Institute to develop and implement a national rice research for development and extension (R4DE) program aimed at improving and sustaining rice production in the Philippines. Along with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other stakeholders such as state colleges and universities, local government units, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and farmer groups, the DA-PhilRice has successfully implemented, albeit with several challenges, its Strategic Plan 2017-2022. This success has laid the foundation for the implementation of a new strategic plan for 2023-2028, which envisions advanced science and technology for prosperous rice communities and aims to improve the productivity, profitability and well-being of rice communities.  

The 35^th Ugnay Palay National Rice R4D Conference, organized by the DA-PhilRice, serves as a platform to recognize and appreciate the rice R4DE accomplishments and implementation strategies of the various sectors in the rice industry. The conference aims to facilitate interaction among rice R4DE workers and serve as a venue for thought-provoking discourses. It likewise gathers feedback and advice from rice industry stakeholders on the relevant rice R4DE thrusts and initiatives to achieve rice sufficiency, particularly on competitiveness, sustainability, and resiliency in rice and rice-based farming systems. It also seeks to identify appropriate and efficient strategies and areas of collaboration for the development and promotion of rice and rice-based technologies.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Better Rice Communities“, aligns with the new strategic plan for 2023-2028. The plan emphasizes the use of advanced science and technology to create prosperous rice communities and focuses on improving their productivity, profitability, and well-being. The focus on farmers’ well-being is deliberate, as they are key to keeping vibrant and happy rice communities. 

Overall, the conference aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the showcasing of advancements in the rice industry.  Its ultimate goal is to help improve the lives of our rice communities by fostering innovation, sustainability, and the adoption of modern technologies.