The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is urging rice farmers in Negros Occidental to adopt innovative practices under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) 2.0. to increase their productivity and income.
The appeal was made by officials during the 2025 Lakbay Palay dry season farmers’ field day and forum themed “RCEF sa Bagong Pilipinas” held at the PhilRice-Negros Station in Murcia town on Wednesday.
In his keynote message, PhilRice deputy executive director for research Dr. Jimmy Quilang discussed science-based evidence on how farmers can increase their income.
These include increasing yield through the adoption of the PalayCheck System, exploring alternative income sources, and adopting various cost-reducing technologies.
PhilRice-Negros Branch Director Ommal Abdulkadil said the RCEF has been instrumental in transforming the rice fields and empowering the farmers by providing them access to modern technologies, and sustainable practices and interventions that enhance productivity.
“As we embark on this journey, we may all sow the seeds of knowledge, nurture the best practices, and harvest the results through increased rice production,” he said.
Abdulkadil said that before the implementation of the RCEF program, the province’s baseline production data showed an average rice yield of 2.67 tons per hectare, which later increased to 3.63 tons per hectare under RCEF.
Still, the goal would be to produce five tons and even six tons or more per hectare, he said.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said RCEF stands as proof that with the right support, knowledge, and technology, the country can enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness in the global market.
“Through the matured technologies showcased by PhilRice, we continue to empower our farmers to achieve higher yields, reduce production costs, and increase their income,” he said.
Under the RCEF-Seed Program, Negros Occidental will receive 118,592 bags of high-quality rice seeds at 20 kilogram per bag with an estimated coverage area of 54,676 hectares for this year’s wet season.
For the 2025 dry season, 76,128 bags will be allocated to the province with an estimated coverage area of 35,096 hectares.
The new law amending the Rice Tariffication Law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last December extends the RCEF until 2031.
It seeks to extend funding for rice industry modernization and to triple the allocation for RCEF, from P10 billion to P30 billion, to strengthen support for various initiatives.
These include high-quality seed production, farm mechanization, training and extension, improving soil health, pest and disease management, and water management.*PNA