After three years of service as acting executive director of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dr. Sailila E. Abdula is assigned assistant secretary for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He will serve in concurrent capacity as Director I of PhilRice Midsayap effective Sept. 16. As part of his new duties, Agriculture Sec. Dr. William Dar, said that the multi-awarded rice breeder from North Cotabato will harmonize rice programs […]

The Department of Agriculture (DA) urges individual farmers to enlist in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and join organizations to access agriculture-related programs and services including the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Under the Rice Tariffication Law (RA 11203), eligible RCEF beneficiaries include farmers, farmworkers, and their dependents who are listed in the RSBSA –an electronic database containing basic information of farmers and fisherfolks, and members […]

While some farmers may look at the world of marketing as unfamiliar ground, farmers of Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac’s Hardinero Agriculture Cooperative found that they can tame the trade game and be champions so long as they persevere. Through their participation in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) TienDA Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Outlet, they have proven that the best merchants in agriculture are the producers themselves. No traders Launched in 2017, TienDA […]

More restaurants, malls, grocery stores, hotels, and other institutional buyers are finding it handy to source out rice and other food items from local farmer groups. Aside from the patriotic pressure of buying local, there is wisdom in doing so because structurally, these farmer groups have the potential of providing both the quality and quantity demanded. This budding story of the Rayuray Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (RFAC) in Batac City, Ilocos […]

Dr. William Dar, acting Department of Agriculture secretary, had recognized the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) as a lead agency in research during his recent visit at the Institute’s Central Experiment Station in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. “I’ve [already said this] and I will always mention that the number 1 research institute in the country, comparing any research institute, is PhilRice. [This is not to flatter you. I […]

About 500 farmers from Alamada and Banisilan, Cotabato completed the Farmers’ Field School on dinorado rice production, clustering approach, and rice-based agro-enterprise, Aug. 20. A training under Cotabato Special Rice Project, the initiative encourages farmers to market their own produce through rice-based agro-enterprise. Cotabato Dinorado Agriculture Cooperative was also launched as first of the three cooperatives founded by farmers through the project. Funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, the […]

With the theme, “Paving our way to 30,” PhilRice Agusan celebrated its 29th anniversary, Aug. 8, through thanksgiving ceremony and seminar on HIV, schistosomiasis, and mental health conducted by the Department of Health in Caraga. Outstanding employees were also recognized.

Delegates from PhilRice Bicol garnered two best papers awards in the 1st Bicol Region Research, Development, and Extension Network Review held in Naga City, Aug. 22-23. The paper, Phase II: Enhancing the Capabilities of Bicol Agta IPs Through Palayamanan Approach was awarded 1st place in the Socioeconomics category while Accelerating the Development and Dissemination of Technologies for Direct-Seeded Rice in Irrigated and Rainfed Ecosystem won 2nd place in Technology Adaptation. PhilRice Bicol staffers also presented their completed […]

PhilRice Los Baños enhanced students’ knowledge on organic agriculture, pest management, and crop production. About 200 junior and senior high school students became aware of PhilRice programs and agricultural careers. The learners from Santisimo Rosario Integrated High School also toured the station’s gene bank, rice chemistry and tissue culture laboratories, and one-stop information shop.

Supporting a provincial drive called “Todas Dengue, Todo Na’to (Ikaanim na Kagat), PhilRice staffers joined nearby communities in San Mateo in keeping the environment clean. Isabela is among the provinces with the most number of dengue cases with 2,933 and 18 deaths.