The State of Science and Technology of PhilRice: Addressing the Challenge of Increasing Rice Productivity

The State of Science and Technology of PhilRice: Addressing the Challenge of Increasing Rice Productivity

IntroductionThe world human population is increasing at the rate of about 80 million per year (Willey, 2000). By the year 2020, the population is expected to be 8 billion people with most of the increase occurring in developing countries, which can hardly afford to feed their growing population (Brynes&Bumb, 2008). The continues growth in population is causing problem on how to meet the demand for food particularly rice which is a major part of food spending, comprising 16% of the total expenditures of the poorest 30% of the population (World Bank , 2007). The more than 100 million population of the Philippines, whichis also continuously increasing at the annual rate of 2% or almost 2 million Filipinos per year, is also facing the same dilemma (Koirala et al, 2013; IRRI, 2014; Rappler,2014.) Rice is the staple food of Filipinos and account for 46% of their calorie intake and 35% of their protein consumption (David &Balisacan 1995; FAO, 2008). Consequently, the rice industry is the most important source of income and livelihood among small farmers and landless agricultural workers in the country (DrilonJr& Goldberg, 1969; Sebastian et al, 2000;Bordey, 2010). Because of its social and economic importance more attention is being given by the government to the problem of rice shortage. Increasing rice productivity will help in decreasing the price of rice making it more affordable to the public, and it will also enhance the competitiveness of domestic rice industry in the international market (Bordey, 2010).

There are many problems affecting rice productivity. Some of these include issues of land use, land area, infrastructures, and pest pressures, among others. Researchers claim that the Philippines do not have enough land area to produce its total rice requirements, and its arable land being planted to rice is continuously decreasing because of rapid urbanization.(Sebastian et al,2000; Bordey, 2010; IRRI, 2014).The lack of infrastructures like modern irrigation systems, post harvest facilities, and modern farming machines compounded by inefficient investments in infrastructures are also major problems in the industry (DrilonJr& Goldberg, 1969; Sebastian et al, 2000; Borley, 2010; IRRI, 2014). Moreover, pests pressures and inefficient fertilizer use are also contributing to the low productivity (Litsinger,1989; Sebastian et al, 2000).

To keep pace with human population growth, high yielding rice varieties were developed which can be planted whole year round, both in rainy and dry seasons. However, the year round planting of rice also allowed for year round pest development. This practice resulted to pests pressures due to outbreak of pest and diseases. The over application of fertilizers which led to the development of insect resistant varieties further complicated the problem (Litsinger,1989; Sebastian et al, 2000). Moreover, the effect of extreme weather conditions which is being attributed to climate change necessitates the need to developed rice varieties that will adopt to longer periods of high temperature and periods of heavy rainfall. According to Lansigan et al, (2000), the countrys rice losses from 1970 -1990 amounted to 82.4% of the total production due totyphoons, floods, and droughts.

The Philippines has been striving to be self-sufficient in rice and aiming to be a net exporter but so far failed. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said that rice output for 2014 reach only 18.69 million metric tons (MMT) which is lower than the 19.07 MMT production set by the Department of Agriculture (DA). Recently, the Philippine government announced the importation of additional 500,000 MT of rice on top of the 800,000 MT bought from Vietnam via a government to government deal (Phil Star, 2014).Recent trend indicates that the growth of the rice sector has become completely dependent on yield improvements which could be developed through investments in R&D (David & Balisacan,1995; Gonzales,1999; Koirala et al,2013). Realizing the importance of science and technology (S&T) in meeting the challenges of improving rice productivity, the government established national R&D agencies to oversee and implement rice programs and projects, and PhilRice was one of those agencies. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) attached to the DA was created in 1985 through Executive Order 1061 to perform R&D works towards a self-sufficient, sustainable, and competitive Philippine rice economy (www.philrice.gov.ph). Because of the challenges besetting the rice industry, it is imperative to look at the capability of research institutions like PhilRice in responding to such challenges given their state of R&D competitiveness. In so doing will also help determine how else could Phil Rice improve and continue to serve its mandate.

ObjectivesGenerally, this case study aimed to analyze the state of Science and Technology (S&T) of PhilRice, and how it addresses the challenge of increasing rice productivity to meet the demands of the increasing population.Specifically, itsought to:1. describePhilRices S&T competitiveness in terms of the following indices: a. institutionsb. infrastructurec. innovationsd. technological readiness e. business sophisticationI2. dentify the social, environmental, and other issues that PhilRice address; and3. identify the needs in order to improve the S&Tcapability of PhilRice.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Rice, being a staple food here in the Philippines and other Asian countries, is faced with productivity problem due to the ballooning population. In a study made by Siwar, et.al (2013), showed that Malaysia, in its effort to address the issues and challenges in rice production and food security, found the importance of its granary areas in enhancing self-sufficiency level. Various efforts and government interventions have been implemented to ensure that these areas will remain as the important granary area. Several approaches were also introduced to improve the productivity and stability of food production as well as in outlining the agenda to ensure the countrys food supply. Furthermore, the study identified several challenges in addressing rice production such as degradation of soil and water resources and increased use of agrochemical with decreased use efficiency, adverse changes in microclimate, land fragmentation, labour and energy shortage.In addressing the challenges of rice productivity, science and technology plays an important role. In a review made by Floroset. al (2010), applications of science and technology within the food system have allowed production of foods in adequate quantities to meet the needs of society, as it has evolved. Due to science and technology, production-to-consumption food system though complex, is largely safe, tasty, nutritious, abundant, diverse, convenient, and less costly and more readily accessible than ever before. Therefore, scientific and technological advancements must be accelerated further and applied in developed and developing nations alike to feed a growing world populationScience and technology is not only useful in coping with the increasing population, but also under the highly globalized and competitive world economy conditions, science-technology and innovation oriented competitiveness strategy is the most important factor for countries not only to strengthen their global competitiveness but also to achieve sustainable long run growth. In a study made bySener and Sandogan (2011) found out that countries which have science-technology-innovation oriented global competitiveness strategies have sustainable competitiveness and long run growth. For this reason, countries should design their science-technology innovation oriented economic strategies and policies in order to achieve sustainable global competitiveness and long run growth.

Moreso, in a study made by Padilla and Gaudin(2013), an empirical evidence collected through questionnaire-based interviews with high-level government officials in each country shows that Central American governments have built public organizations and institutions to support Science, Technology, and Innovations (STI), such as laws, national plans and a wide variety of policy instruments. Yet available science and technology indicators illustrate that the results are still meager. Their study identifies eight barriers faced by these governments when designing and implementing STI policies.

Further, there was a study in Palestine proposing for policies that can be adopted by private sector institutions that will enhance their competitiveness in local and export markets through product research and development. (El-Jafari, 2008).On the other hand, study on competitiveness of science and development organizations is very limited despite the rapid increase in research and development organizations not only in the Philippines but especially in developing countries. Its competitiveness should be looked into. In a study made by Rasa &Algimantas (2014), they developed the R&D effectiveness assessment system in the research organizations by incorporating the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) methodology in to the assessment process. The TRL methodology was modified by the authors that instead of setting the technological level of the organization, it defines the coverage of R & D activity type depending on the strategic goals of research organization, what predestine the indicators of their performance evaluation. The successful incorporation of TRL concept in the assessment process enables to evaluate the effectiveness of different type of research organizations and also balances the significance of Basic Research, Applied Research and Developmental Research activities.

ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK

This study was guided by the enabling environments or some of the pillars of the Global Competitiveness Index. From the 12 pillars, five pillars that could describe the state of S&T of PhilRice were selected, namely: Institutions, Infrastructure, Innovation, Technological Readiness, and Business Sophistication. Institutions include property rights, intellectual property protection, leadership, R&D spending, and transparency in governance. Infrastructure refers to quality of overall infrastructure, and quality and availability of R&D equipment and facilities. Technological readiness is based on availability of technologies, technology absorption capacity, and ICT infrastructure. Business sophistication include R&D thrusts and value chain breadth. Innovation refers to capacity for innovation, quality of research outputs, publications, patent and patent application, and linkage and collaboration.

Though the study did not look into the real values of the different indices under the pillars, it described the presence of these indices. Some of these indices were described intensely based on our perceptions as influence by our own observations and based on our desk research. The different pillars strongly built at PhilRice are instrumental in the implementation of its R&D Programs and Projects, taking into consideration the issues besetting our rice industry like climate change, pests pressures, decreasing land area, and lack of post-harvest facilities, among others. Addressing these different issues in the R&D programs and projects implemented would ensure development of cost-reducing and yield-enhancing rice technologies which will boost rice productivity despite the problems of climate change, increasing pests pressures, decreasing land area, and lack of post-harvest facilities. Whenthe farmers use these technologies, then the country will be able to increase its rice productivity and ultimately will address the over-all goal of food security in the country.

Figure 1 shows the analytical framework of the study.

Figure 1. The Analytical Framework of the Study

METHODOLOGYThe study employed the Case Study approachsince this research design is most appropriate for making a detailed study on a single subject (Yin, 1994). Data were gathered through document review, key informant interview (KII), and site visit.An interview guide was used for the KII, and information gathered from the KII and document review were summarized and categorized into themes and used in inferring our conclusions and recommendations.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThe S&T Status of the Philippine Rice Research InstituteI. Institution A. Intellectual Property PolicyThe Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) subscribes to the concept of intellectual property right (IPR) as a right conferred by law upon individuals and institutions for the generation of new technologies for the production of superior goods for the benefit of society. Just like any legal right, the IPR must be invoked and be vested in the holder, otherwise it is deemed waived. Even as a publicly funded institution is morally obliged to provide its goods and services to the public for free, PhilRice shall, nevertheless, invoke and vest its rights to its intellectual property (IP) for its own benefit as well as that of its members. Its IP policy, institutionalized on 25 May 2004, hope to serve as incentive that will spur its members to generate more IP with commercial applications. Further, this policy hopes to achieve the goals of pursuing research and development programs focused on generating new technologies, promoting rapid technology transfer of new technologies through protection, and generating alternative sources of funding through commercialization of these technologies.PhilRice has its own Intellectual Property Management Office as well as an Innovation and Technology Support Office, directly supervised by the Executive Director and that are backed by the Legal Office.

B. LeadershipOrganizational Structure

As an organization, PhilRice is headed by the board of trustees, executive director,deputy executive directors, program leaders, and division heads.The board of trustees acts as the highest policy making body of PhilRice and is chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture. It is composed of representatives from academic and science communities, government offices concerned in rice research and development, business sector, consumer groups, and farmer groups.The executive director, who also acts as the board secretary, is the chief operatingofficer of PhilRice and is in- charge of the over-all operations of the Institute. He accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture in achieving the goal of the Institute in line with the agricultural development plan.PhilRice has deputy directors for research, for development and for administration, support, and finance. The deputy directors for research and for development prepare the corporate plans and implement the research and technology programs and projects in the central and branch stations and network. The deputy director for administration, support, and financeprovides the administrative and financial support services to R&D, as well as supervises the physical planning and maintenance of PhilRices infrastructure facilities and legal and security services.The program leaders, chosen from among the qualified senior staff,provide the overall operational strategy and direction to the R&D efforts of the program and coordinate the overall activities of the Institute.The division heads facilitate the implementation of R&D projects under the division, setting the pace of administrative activities, and maximizing the use of resources.

DivisionsThere are 13 divisions that consist PhilRice, namely, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Agronomy, Soils and Plant Physiology, Crop Protection, Genetic Resources, Rice Engineering and Mechanization, Rice Chemistry and Food Science, Socio-Economics, Development Communication, Technology Management and Services, Administrative, Finance, Information Systems, and Seed Technology (www.philrice.gov.ph).The Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division leads efforts in the conservation, development, improvement and utilization of appropriate rice varieties towards sustainable, profitable and competitive farming. It seeks to ensure stable and sustainable rice production through the development of high yielding, pest and abiotic stress resistant and good grain quality rice varieties suitable to major rice growing ecosystems.The Agronomy, Soils and Plant PhysiologyDivision leads research efforts to evaluate, refine, and facilitate the delivery of improved soil, nutrient, and water management practices to enhance soil quality and profitability.The Crop Protection Division seeks to help attain rice self-sufficiency and build a competitive rice economy through the generation, development and promotion of pest management strategies, which are environment-friendly, economical, sustainable and compatible with each other to address farmers needs.

The Genetic Resources division leads efforts on conservation and management of rice genetic resources including improved varieties and elite breeding lines of PhilRice, rice genetic materials from other breeding and research institutes, as well as indigenous traditional Philippine cultivars. The division focuses its activities on genetic diversity research as well as germplasm collection, conservation, management, dissemination, and utilization in support to PhilRice rice breeding and development activities.The Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division is in-charge of improving the national levelof farm mechanization and modernizes rice production and postharvest operations. The division also strengthens the Institutes capacity to design, develop, manufacture, and market farm machinery for rice production and postproduction operations while considering the needs and conditions of our rice farmers.The Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division focuses on increasing the productivity and profitability of rice farming systems by determining grain quality characteristics of rice, developing technologies on other uses of rice and its by-products and promoting these high-quality and value-added products to benefit consumers/farmers and food manufacturers. The division also helps increase the Institutes profitability by rendering quality analytical services in support of the development of appropriate and best technologies for Filipino farmers.The Socioeconomics Division conducts research and policy studies to help develop an efficient, competitive and sustainable rice industry, nurtured by sound policy environment. It supports PhilRices function of providing timely information to the industry.

The Development Communication Division promotes rice production technologies through the strategic use of communication media and current information and communications technologies to educate and increase awareness, access, and understanding of extension workers and farmers and/or the general public on rice science for development (RS4D).The Technology Management and Services Division promotes and disseminateshigh impact rice technologies through area-based technology promotion, and training and education to help increase the productivity and income of rice farmers. The division also enhances capacities of extension workers and other change agents through retooling or rice science and technology updates.The Administrative Division offers quality support services to the operations ofthe Institute particularly in human resources, property, records, procurement of supplies, materials anf equipment, visitors and facilities, training dormitory, printing, and motorpool services. The division also ensures proper implementation of all policies, procedures, and systems of the Institute.The Finance Division provides financial and management support services. The division has several units such as budget, accounting, cashiering andbookkeeping.

The Information Systems Division provides the central direction and leadership in network Infrastructure-related matters, geographic information system-remote sensing activities, and other information and database systems development. The division also develops innovative and efficient systems for gathering, storing, organizing, analyzing, and accessing biophysical and socioeconomic information to support agroecology-specific technology recommendations for rice and rice-based farming and value-adding activities.The Seed Technology Division assesses seed quality parameters including dormancy duration in all promising lines under the distinctness, uniformity, and stability test. The division ensures high seed quality seed for seed growers and farmers; monitors regular seed quality testing on buffer seed and carry over seed lots of the previous cropping; screens and evaluates packaging materials, storage conditions, seed treatment that will maintain seed quality longer; and conducts compact technology demonstration of newly released inbred and hybrid varieties including different types of crop establishment.

R&D ManagementPhilRicesResearch and Development is headed by the Executive Director guided by its highest policy making body, the Board of Trustees, which has the highest position. The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the National Rice R&D Team from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) serve as consultative bodies of the Executive Director. Under the Executive Director are the two Deputy Executive Directors for Research and Development, who directs the Institute's R&D through the different technical divisions, headed by the Division Heads; program thrusts, by the Program Leaders; and branch stations and R&D centers by the Branch Managers. The three research areas are interrelated. The activities in the different technical divisions, branch stations, and centers are based on the different program thrusts of PhilRice. Likewise, activities of the members of the national rice R&D network are also based on the program thrusts.

C. R&D SpendingMost of the budget of PhilRice comes from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) coming from the government, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).This budget from the DBM is allocated as follows: R&D Activities- 40%Personnel Services - 28%Capital Outlay - 10%Administration, finance, infrastructure - 22 %The allocation of budget of PhilRice for projects is based on its research priorities. The project leaders submit their project proposals to the program leader. The proposals undergo internal review. Most of the time, the proposed budget are cut by the government because of limited resources. Although PhilRice, as government-owned and controled corporation (GOCC), also generates funds from its income-generating activities, these funds are mostly spent for capital outlay. Hence, to augment its budget needs for R&D activities, PhilRice also proposes projectsfrom external funding.

D. Transparency in Governance

For transparency, PhilRices R&D programs and projects undergo quarterly monitoring and reporting, annual program and project reviews, annual national rice R&D review planning and consultation workshop, and internal and external reviews are done. Quarterly Monitoring and Reporting. This is conducted in each program, including the Branch Stations. The monitoring covers physical and financial aspects of the Institutes projects. PhilRice implements a system of reporting of accomplishments for more efficient project control.Annual Program and Project Reviews. Conducted by the Program and Project Leaders at the end of the year, it aims to monitor the progress of the projects and studies. This determines if there are projects that need to be terminated or re- aligned. In this case, it gives top management continually updated information on the status of the implementation of the projects and disbursements of funds.

Annual National Rice R&D Review Planning and Consultation Workshop.This is conducted every first week of March and participated by about 300 rice scientists, researchers, policymakers, farmer-leaders, extension personnels, and administrators from members of the network. The annual meeting also strengthens the national rice R&D program by validating research findings, reviewing and evaluating on-going and proposed projects.External and Internal Reviews.External reviews are necessary in assessing the programs as well as the Institutes achievements. The assessment of outside experts is generally expected to provide an unbiased view of the programs strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, internal review panels are occasionally created to assess the impact of specific projects or activities. Recommendations of the panel provide management feedbacks not only impact but also on the feasibility of adopting a specific project for nationwide application.In 2013, PhilRice has been awarded with the Philippine Transparency Seal.

II. InfrastructurePhilRice has more than 100-hectare Central Experiment Station in Nueva Ecija, which houses its research laboratories for genetics and genetic engineering, gene mapping using molecular markers, rice chemistry and food science, agronomy and soils, plant physiology, seed technology, plant pathology, entomology, virology, and analytical services among many others. Other infrastructures are greenhouses, Farmers Training & Information Center, genebank, a weather station, a power house, hostel and canteen, training and experimental farm, an audio-visual editing room, sports and gym facilities, and a LAN that interconnects more than 300 computers on campus, among many others (PhilRice, 2007).

III. InnovationsPatentsTo date, PhilRice has 20 patents filed at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), four were already granted and 16 are pending, while of the five utility models filed, one is already granted and four are pending. Among these are the following: 1) Seed Treating Machine issued on April 16, 2010 and will expire on December 13, 2024; 2) Portable Floating Pump issued on April 16, 2010 and will expire on August 23, 2025; 3) Seed Cleaner issued on January 14, 2011 and will expire on August 23, 2025; 4) Multiplex RT-PCR for Simultaneous Detection of Rice Tungro Spherical Virus (RTSV) and Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus (RTBV) issued on February 17, 2015 and will expire on February 12, 2028; and 5) 3-disc Plow Attachment for Hand Tractor and Use Thereof [Utility model] issued on January 21, 2015 and will expire on October 29 2017. In terms of Plant Variety Protection (PVP), of the 11 varieties and lines applied, all were granted with PVP. One variety (Tubigan 7) applied in 2008 granted PVP and will expire in December 18. 2028. Five hybrid parental lines applied in 2011 were also granted PVP, all of which will expire on October 25, 2031. Likewise, all the five promising inbred lines applied in 2012 were also granted PVP, all of which will also expire on December 7, 2032. Moreover, all the knowledge products produced by PhilRice through its members were also copyrighted and copies of these creations were already deposited at the National Library. To date, a total of P5,386,837.70 were already collected as royalties from the various IPs commercialized by PhilRice. From this amount, a total of P2,282,391.53 were disbursed to various IP holders. The remaining P3,085,520.17 are maintained in the trust fund which can be used to fund cutting-edge researches proposed by PhilRice.

PublicationsPhilRices has regular issues of rice technical bulletins, R&D highlights, milestones, and quarterly magazine. It also publishes training manuals, and brochures that farmers may use in diagnosing plant pests and problems. All these publications are accessible in print and on-line and are deposited at the NationalLibrary.LinkagesPhilRice has both local and international partners. Among its local researchinstitution partners are the DOST-PCAARRD andthe DA-BAR, which assist the Institutein planning, monitoring, and reviewing R&D activities.PhilRice also coordinates the National Rice R&D Network (NRRDN), a formal and functional structure of 57 strategically located agencies continuously sharing responsibility and resources, working toward a common goal of sustained self-sufficiency in rice. Two of these are designated as national research centers, seven as branch stations representing the country's major rice-growing zones, 14 as regional research centers, and 35 as cooperating stations. Within the network are groups that address specific R&D areas such as the rice varietal improvement, technology promotion, rice mechanization, and Seed Network.

Among its international partners are world-renowned research and donor institutions such as the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), and the Food and Agriculture Office (FAO), among many others.IV. Technological Readiness PhilRices technological readiness, which depends on its technology capacity, may be described through its human resources, human resource development, and R&D facilities.

Human ResourcesThe Institute employs more than 1,200 individuals who are experts in various disciplines. It has 369 core staff, fifty eight percent of which belong to the R&D sector. In terms of academic achievements, 34 are PhD holders, 129 hold MS degrees, while others are BS graduates. Most of the PhDs obtained their degrees through fellowship and scholarship grants awarded by the Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, USAID, AusAID, Fulbright, Monbusho, and JICA among many others. PhilRice also taps high-caliber 11 research fellows and consultants for its R&D activities. Currently, PhilRice has seven career scientist rank holders; one Scientist III and six Scientist I (PhilRice, 2011).A great number of PhilRices scientists and researchers are recipients of major national awards such as The Outstanding Young Men Award (TOYM), The Outstanding Women in the Nations Service (TOWNS), Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS) Awards, Civil Service Commission Pag-asa and DangalngBayan Awards, DA GawadSaka Outstanding Employee for Research Award, and the Japanese Society of Agriculture Machinery Mori Technical Award, among others (PhilRice, 2011).

Human Resource DevelopmentPhilRicehas a Research Fellowship/Competitive Grant Scheme. It aims to establish and develop research partnerships and collaboration with promising researchers from academic and other research institutions. In turn, PhilRice supports these endeavors with research funding and provides other forms of assistance to these talented individuals. The provision of research fellowships, grants or assistantships is based on merit and is subject to competition among qualified professors, researchers or PhD/MS/BS students from SUCs and other research institutions. Invitation to submit quality research proposals is posted at the PhilRice website and communicated to potential candidates through email.This program seeks to (1) support outstanding and promising R&D practitioners in various fields of rice R&D; (2) provide opportunities to talented researchers while developing and fostering mentoring and collaboration; and (3) carry out research that is of major importance and with potential high impact to Filipinos.This program also serves as an opportunity for young researchers and students to gain vital career or relevant research experience while contributing to PhilRices mission of helping the country attain rice self-sufficiency by increasing the productivity and profitability of rice farmers through rice science. The program also facilitates the access and exposure of these young talents to modern researchfacilities and equipment at research institutions, such as IRRI, PhilRice, UPLB, and other institutions.

R&D FacilitiesPhilRice has adequate R&D facilities such as laboratories to pursue basic, strategic, and applied researches. It has the capability to pursue genetic engineering studies, gene cloning, gene mapping, gene isolation, cereal chemistry, food science, plant physiology, virology, and analytical services, among many others. On top of these laboratory facilities, PhilRice also have greenhouses/screenhouses, genebank, and other support facilities. All these infrastructure facilities are all instrumental in the conduct of the different R&D researches at PhilRice. Compared with other government agencies, PhilRice is at par when it comes to infrastructure facilities. In fact it was regarded as world class in terms of its infrastructure and facilities and its international standards (ISOs). In support of its technology catching-up process, PhilRice established centers and specialized R&D projects. These are the following: The PhilRice-based Crop Biotechnology Center implements a rationalized, effective, and efficient agricultural biotechnology R&D program for the Department of Agriculture with the end view of generating improved agricultural technologies, productivity, profitability and enhanced commercial potential, value, and activities for agricultural crops.The Climate Change Center develops and extends a comprehensive and judicious understanding of the current and future impacts of climate change, including variability and extremes of the Philippine rice farming system, and to cushion its possible negative effects on the utilization of rice self-sufficiency.The Applied Biology Center for the Rice Environment (ABCRE) is anchored on the strong and urgent need for radical innovations in the rice-based farming environment that will increase output and reduce external inputs in rice-based farming and require integration of disciplinary perspectives for the effective and systematic utilization of existing knowledge in applied biology. PhilRice recognizes the limitations of the traditional discipline-based divisions in terms of physical and technical manpower resources for planning and implementing needed research and development activities in Applied Biology.

As such, establishment of ABCRE is expected to enhance interdisciplinary research capability in applied biology, initially by drawing needed expertise available from the traditional disciplinary divisions available at PhilRice (soil science, agronomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology, chemistry, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, etc.) and from collaborating DA agencies, SCUs, and private sector.ABCRE aims to explore, advance, and utilize existing knowledge in applied biology in rice environment and develop innovations that will increase output and reduce external inputs in rice farming and non-rice enterprises. It will draw expertise from various fields of applied biology and agriculture particularly plant nutrition, plant physiology, crop protection, plant physiology, and soil science, among others.It will also harness skills and modern facilities available in DA-PhilRice and will also work closely with other scientists across the R&D network.

ICT InfrastructurePhilRice has a well-established ICT facilities. Its LAN interconnects more than 300 computers on campus. The Institute also maintains a web mail that facilitates the dissemination and sharing of various information such as administrative orders, R&D reports, memos, etc. V. Business Sophistication ProgramsSince PhilRice started its full operation in 1987, it has taken the lead in rice R&D. It has made available important technologies and information that provide strong backbone to the countrys rice industry. Such impact of PhilRice can be attributed to the success of the different R&D programs they implemented (PhilRice, 1998).First R&D Programs (1987-1998).At the start of its operation, PhilRice made operational eight multidisciplinary programs which is handled by specific divisions, namely: rice varietal improvement (Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division), planting and fertilizer management, and rice-based farming systems(Agronomy and Soils Division), integrated pest management (Crop Protection Division), rice engineering and mechanization (Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division), rice chemistry and food science (Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division), social science and policy research (Socio-economic Division), and technology promotion (Communication, Training, Technology Demonstration, and Seed Production and Health Divisions) (Figure 2). Viable information and technologies from the first seven programs converged at technology promotion for packaging and dissemination (PhilRice, 1998).

Second R&D Programs (1999-2001).To cope with technological challenges and innovations in the industry, the previous PhilRice R&D structure was reoriented and transformed in 1998 into an interdisciplinary structure. The eight location-specific, ecosystem-based and problem-specific programs are the transplanted and direct-seeded irrigated lowland rice, hybrid rice, rice for adverse environments, rice-based farming systems, rice and rice-based products, policy research and advocacy, and technology promotion (Figure 3). Each program thrust contributes to the attainment of the goals of PhilRice and of the government (PhilRice, 2001)

Third R&D Programs (2002-2010).This R&D structure transfers the rice-based products to a division based program while merging the rice for adverse environment programs with the rice-based farming systems programs. The changes, streamlined the activities, which enhances focusing of major thrusts, maximization of resources both human, and infrastructure, and effective monitoring, covering fewer programs, projects, and studies. Furthermore, the programs focus on subject or areas with high possible impact and which benefit large numbers of farmers (PhilRice, 2010).

Four programs, transplanted irrigated lowland rice, direct seeded rice, hybrid rice and rice-based farming systems for adverse environment, cuts across Divisions whichdevelops and packages location and problem specific technologies. This set-up enhances inter-discipline collaboration, thus promoting team approach in developing technology. The remaining two programs, technology promotion and policy research and advocacy cut across the four R&D programs mentioned above. These programs indulged in the promotion of technology verified in the farmers' field and policy advocacy related to issues besetting the rice industry (Figure 4).

Fourth R&D Programs (2011-2013).In 2011, PhilRice implemented five Rice R&D programs addressing three strategic goals: 1) to help attain national rice self-sufficiency by 2013 and ensure its sustainability, 2) to contribute in reducing the incidence of poverty and malnutrition, and 3) to achieve competitiveness in rice science and technology. They were defined, namely: Program 1: Developing Technologies to Break the Low Yield Barriers in Rainfed, Upland, & Other Adverse Rice Environments; Program 2: Developing Technologies to Surpass the Dry Season Irrigated Lowland Rice Yield Plateau; Program 3: Natural Products & Value-Adding Systems Development; Program 4: Impact Evaluation, Policy Research, and Advocacy, and Program 5: Development and Packaging of Location-Specific Rice Technologies for Irrigated, Rainfed, and Upland Areas. Results of the research programs will converge in Program 5(PhilRice, 2013).To expedite the promotion and dissemination of program outputs are the channels of ICT, training, and knowledge products which are handled by the Development Communication (DevComm), Technology Management and Services (TMS), and Information Systems (ISD) Divisions. Together with the Socioeconomics Division, they build the capacity of development workers and do strategic advocacy, behavioral/action research, and knowledge management. The research divisions/centers handle discipline-based activities in support of the research programs. Cutting across R, D & E programs are station-based projects that address location-specific problems in the areas of operations of the branch stations (Figure 5).

The New R&D Programs (2014-2018).To pursue a more focused, efficient, and appropriate R&D efforts, PhilRice has developed its Strategic Plan for 20102020 with three main goals: (1) help in attaining national rice self-sufficiency by 2013 and in sustaining it in 2014 and beyond; (2) contribute in reducing the incidence of poverty and malnutrition; and (3) achieving competitiveness in rice science and technology. These goals are aligned with the Philippine Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP, 2011-2016), the UN Millennium Development Goals, Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act (AFMA), and initiatives of civil society organizations (CSOs).

To achieve these goals, major programs and projects for 20112016 were conceptualized and developed in 2010, and implemented in 2011. After an R&D review in December 2012, the programs were recast into relevant and responsive themes, which have undergone review, consultation and critiquing during the PhilRice Board of Trustees meeting on March 4, 2013 and the quarterly meeting of the NAFC Sub-Committee on Cereals (composed of various private, government and non-government organizations in the rice and corn sub-sector) on March 15, 2013. The recast programs was partially implemented in 2013 and was fully implemented starting 2014 (Figure 6).

Heinberg averred that we need a more fundamental reform of agriculture than anything we have had before to get to the heart of the crisis, and the solution is an agriculture and food system that does not require fossil fuels.This program shall lay the foundation for and formulate science and technology-based solutions toward a fossil-fuel free rice-based agriculture in the Philippines. It shall be composed of the following projects: 1) Development of alternative, renewable, diversified and decentralized energyresource systems for and from rice-based agriculture.2) Improving the energy resource use efficiency in rice-based farming. 3) Development of low external energy inputs in rice-based farming.

Following arePhilRices programs/projects for 2014 2018. A. Rice R&D Programs for Technology/Product DevelopmentPhilRice shall continue to develop technologies, and generate information and other products that can expand rice yield growth over the medium term, sustain activities that will help to narrow down the gap between actual farm yields and best practice yields, and create opportunities for poor farmers and enable them to improve their farming practices through appropriate diversified and integrated rice-based agri-biosystems, and participate in markets through high-value rice-based farm produce or processed products entrepreneurship.Program 1: Coping with Climate ChangeHigher risks and greater uncertainty owing to climate change in a highly vulnerable country like ours continue to daunt the Filipino rice farmer. Confronted with spiraling prices and dwindling supply of farm inputs, such as fossil fuel, fertilizers, irrigation water, and even human labor, the future of Philippine rice-based agriculture indeed looks grim. The incessantly rising population and continuing conversion of prime rice lands for other purposes further pose an enormous challenge of producing more food from smaller and less fertile, even marginal lands. Changes in precipitation, increase in temperature, and sea level rise are among the projected impacts of climate change which will greatly affect agriculture, the prime source of food security in the country. Agriculture is very sensitive to climate change, which will exacerbate the annual damage in the sector. Rice production in the Philippines has been projected to decline starting in 2020 by as much as 75% from the current level unless the resiliency and flexibility of rice farming communities in facing climate change is addressed through effective and efficient mitigation and adaptation measures (ADB, Manila Times 2009).

To cope with climate change, there is a need to transform Philippine rice agriculture into a climate-resilient and energy-efficient system. The resilience and sustainability of our rice production system must be intensified, while making it more efficient in the use of energy, water and nutrients. This can be done by combining rapid advances in knowledge of plant genetics and the advanced approaches to agronomic management to deliver the required sustainable intensification in productivity. The program shall consist of the following components:

1) Enhancement of the climate change adaptive capacity of rice-based farming systems.2) Ensuring household food and income security in climate change vulnerable areas.3) Generation and management of climate change-related knowledge and information

Program 2: Farming Without Fossil EnergyDespite a near tripling of world oil prices, non-OPEC production, which accounts for 60% of world output, hasn't increased significantly since 2004. And many of those same experts, as well as some major oil companies, don't see it increasing againever, declared Richard Kerr in his article Peak Oil Production May Already Be Here, published in Science, March 25,2011 issue.In his essay published on Resilience (http://www.resilience.org) and titled What will we eat as the oil runs out, Post Carbon Institute senior fellow Richard Heinberg laid out four dilemmas that comprise an unprecedentedly wide-scoped crisis that fossil fuel-dependent global agriculture and food system faces: 1) direct impacts on agriculture of higher oil prices are increased costs of tractor fuel, agricultural fertilizers and chemicals, and the transport of farm inputs and outputs; 2) an indirect consequence of high oil prices, the increased demand for biofuels, which is resulting in farmland being turned from food production to fuel production, making food more costly, 3) impacts of climate change and extreme weather events caused by fuel-based greenhouse gas emissions, and 4) degradation or loss of basic natural resources, principally topsoil and fresh water supplies, as a result of high rates and unsustainable methods of production stimulated by decades of cheap energy.Program 3: High-Value Products from Rice and Its Environmentis a sad reality for the rice-based farming households in the country. It is also not uncommon that most of their income is devoted to food expenses. It istherefore important to empower farming communities not only to improve their practices, reduce farming cost, and increase the value of their produce, but also to explore additional sources of income from production of non-traditional raw materials, such as algae and single cell proteins, in order to improve their economic condition.The program will generate high-value products from the rice environment to help increase the income of rice-based farming communities. Value-adding systems will be developed, evaluated and refined to increase the value and profitability of rice farming and processing of new products as an enterprise. The program consists of the following components:1) High-value rice grain, 2) High-value products from the rice grain and other parts of the rice plant, and3)Beneficial organisms in the rice environment.

Program 4. Intensified Rice-Based Agri-Bio SystemsThe productivity and income of many small rice farmers remain low because of the declining profitability of growing mono-crop rice. With rice yields reaching a plateau and the increasing cost of labor and other inputs, the income of farmers has decreased tremendously. Results of analysis of the household poverty and food security impact in relation to the income derived from rice-based farming vis--vis household basic needs and food expenditure show that rural incomes are relatively low.The annual net income derived from growing rice in irrigated areas is Php 45,000.00 per hectare in 2012 (BAS 2013), which is less than half the annual poverty threshold income of Php 94, 675.00 in 2012 (NSCB 2014). Indeed, this makes it difficult for the farm family to meet their food requirements. This implies the crucial importance of other farming components such as vegetables and other crops, fish, and livestock in augmenting farming income in order that necessary food and non-food requirements are met. There is therefore a need to promote diversified and integrated farming systems to generate incomes above the poverty threshold. More importantly, there is a need to integrate diversification strategies in the national rice program to achieve a meaningful impact in terms of increasing household income and productivity of rice-based farmers.

Hence, it is critical to identify and evaluate climate adaptation strategies and introduce innovative measures for enhancing resilience of food systems and natural systems including adaptation of agricultural-biological (agri-bio) production systems, building adaptive capacity and climate resilience of all stakeholders, and sustaining collaboration and partnership among stakeholders in the countryside.The intensified rice-based agri-bio systems model (Palayamanan Plus) is a community- or village-scale model aimed to increase income by purposive integration of certain farming components that will enhance rice and rice-basedcrops productivity, profitability and sustainability, cost reduction, value-adding through product processing and utilization rice-biomass and mechanization. An appropriate agri-bio systems model piloted at each PhilRice station is envisioned to spin-off into community agribusiness activities that can generate a calculated annual income of Php 1 million per hectare from all production and economic activities to generate the desired social and economic impact and progress. The program shall consist of the following projects:Agri-biosystems mapping and scoping; Assessment of agri-biosystems models; and Pilot implementation of agri-biosystems models

Program 5. FutureRiceRice farming in the Philippines will face several challenges in the future. With a very limited irrigated area of only 2 million hectares, it must produce 18 million metric tons of rice to feed an estimated 95 million Filipinos in 2012. The remaining 1.2 million hectares are without irrigation and depend on seasonal rains. The impact of climate change has also brought further destruction of remaining irrigation systems, and in some areas, much flooding and landslide due to shift in cyclone path. High population growth rate of 2.4% and rapid urbanization contribute to further reduction of prime agricultural land in the Philippines.The challenge for R&D is to produce more food output from the same unit of land, and at the same time, protect the soil and the environment from further degradation due to intensive crop cultivation. This challenge is compounded the dwindling supply, and increasing costs of petroleum based products for farm fuel, pesticides, and fertilizers. The increasing production costs at the farm level are eroding potential income and profits of farmers.Given this emerging environment, there is a need to develop and test new crop management innovations that will promote self-sufficiency, sustainability and competitiveness in the 21st century. We need to revolutionize and transform our food production and delivery system through the application of engineering, information technology, and biotechnology. This means that we have to upgrade the skills of extension agents and farmers on green, practical, and smart farming. Finally, these efforts must act as catalysts to transform farming communities into ecologically vibrant and competitive economies.

47Key program components are as follows:

Rice Innovation Center. This component will inventory all local and global technology on clean, green and smart farming innovations, which can be modified or localized (adaptive and creative research) in order to reduce the time and cost of development. This will make it possible for innovations to become available in less than 3 years instead of 10 years. The center will develop a knowledge base of all relevant innovations developed locally and abroad, collecting relevant literature from journals, and establish linkages with concerned agencies, global networks, and agribusiness corporations. The center will develop a clearinghouse of appropriate technologies and help develop local prototypes of selected innovations for testing, application, and public dissemination.

Smart Rice Farms. This component will demonstrate the elements of green, practical and smart rice farming in small 5-hectare farms in several agro climatic locations of the country. This will demonstrate the 10-5 rice technology, where a high yield of 10tons/ha can be produced with a cost of P5/kg. This demonstration farm will become a test bed of local and global innovations that we identified at the Innovation Center for further testing and application in near-real farming conditions. The key features of the farm involve organic farming, low tillage, nutrient recycling, energy recycling, farm mechanization, and knowledge-based crop management. Alternative energy sources will be used to power farm implements. Information and communications technology will be used to provide timely and relevant information to guide on-farm crop management decisions. The performance of these innovations in real field conditions will be monitored and evaluated for their release to the farming community. The farms will also serve as practical training ground for participants of the Rice Academy

Rice Academy. This component will develop a new learning curriculum that will prepare a new generation of agricultural practitioners, extension agents and farmer leaders to meet the demands of rice farming in the future. This will include an understanding of the principles and concepts of green, practical and smart farming; climate change; renewable alternative energy and sources; nutrient cycling; and ecological biodiversity. This will require of the new generation of farmers a working knowledge of farm mechanization, information and technology tools and platforms, agro-ecology, and biotechnology. Digital content will be made accessible using new generations of ICTs such as tablets, smart phones, and SMS.Farmer Cyber Community. This component will identify farming communities that are receptive to clean, green, and smart farming innovations. Innovations that were identified by the Rice Innovation Centre, and tested in the Smart Farms and Rice Academy, will be applied in real-world condition among members of the rice farming community. Members of the farming community may visit the Smart Farms and may attend the Rice Academy. Farmer-based ICT systems will be made available to the farming community to give them access to online content on green, practical and smart technologies. Technical and advisory services will be provided to the communities through various knowledge services such as mobile ICT facilities and farmers text advisories. Communities will be encouraged to develop clean and green products related to crops, alternative fuels, organic fertilizers, and feeds for livestock and fish.

Project Management and Support Communication. This component will provide the project management support in terms of seeking grants and funding for the project components; coordination with units of the Institute; collaboration with external partners and the farming community. This component will also provide logistical support for the efficient operation of the program; conduct public awareness on the future of rice farming and the impact of climate change, the potentials of alternative energy sources, and application of information and communications technology in agriculture. This unit shall establish and maintain a project website, document the project activities and processes in publications and video clips, and provide feedback through social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SMS.

B. Special Program Rural Transformation and Inclusive Growth Through PhilRice Stations as Nucleus Estates.

This program seeks to catalyze rural transformation and achieve inclusive growth in rice-based farming communities by empowering PhilRice Stations as Nucleus Estates. Specifically it will sustainably increase productivity and income at the stations and adjoining communities; strengthen resilience to climate change and variability; and reduce agricultures contribution to climate change.The program expects to develop viable IRBAS enterprise models at PhilRice CES and branch stations with an annual gross income from operations of up to Php1M/ha/yr by the third year of operation. It also expects to develop spin-off agri- bio techno enterprise & business opportunities for surrounding communities with at least 1 similar viable nucleus estate; multi-sector partnerships for rural transformation and development; and information campaigns & policy advocacies for replication of nucleus estates in the country.C. Basic and Applied Rice R&D Projects D. Division-based Basic and Upstream Rice ResearchIn support of the implementation of the Rice R&D programs, PhilRice is implementing basic and upstream research activities through its R&D divisions:Plant Breeding and Biotechnology focuses on enhancing genetic variability of potential rice varieties/elite lines; developing breeding materials with yield- enhancing, stabilizing and value-adding traits for use as parents in hybridization programs and/or direct utilization as varieties; characterizing important germplasm and making available nucleus seeds for commercial cultivation. It seeks to ensure stable and sustainable rice production through the development of high-yielding, pest and abiotic stress-resistant and good grain quality rice varieties suitable to major rice growing ecosystems.

Agronomy, Soils, and Plant Physiology leads research efforts to evaluate, refine, and facilitate the delivery of improved soil, nutrient, and water management practices to enhance soil quality and profitability and plant resource use efficiency.Crop Protection seeks to help attain rice self-sufficiency and build a competitive rice economy through the generation, development, and promotion of pest management strategies, which are environment-friendly, economical, sustainable, and compatible with each other to address farmers' needs. It also assists breeders in screening potential varieties for insect and disease resistance.Genetic Resources carries out germplasm collection, conservation, management, dissemination and utilization. It ensures availability of fully characterized germplasm to rice plant breeders and researchers. It also conducts research on genetic diversity.Rice Engineering and Mechanization develops machines and tools to increase the national level of farm mechanization and modernize rice production and postharvest operations to increase farm efficiency and productivity.

Rice Chemistry and Food Science focuses on increasing the productivity and profitability of rice farming systems by determining grain quality characteristics of rice; developing technologies on other uses of rice and its by-products; and promoting these high-quality and value-added products to benefit consumers/farmers and food manufacturers.Seed Technology performs basic studies on seed biology and physiology, health and pathology, purity and quality control, production, preservation and storage, coating/treatment and mechanical seeding. It also ensures that high-quality seeds are available to farmers/stakeholders, and helps make rice farming a profitable business by developing cost-effective and environment-friendly rice seed technologies. In addition, it runs and maintains a lab and facility for seed health and quality testing as prescribed in the international seed testing rules by ISTA.Socioeconomics conducts research and policy studies to help develop an efficient, competitive; and sustainable rice industry, nurtured by sound policy environments. It supports PhilRices function of providing timely information to the industry.

Technology Management and Services promotes/disseminates high-impact rice technologies through area-based technology promotion, and training and education to help increase the productivity and income of rice farmers. Likewise, it enhances capacities of extension workers and other change agents through retooling or rice science and technology updates.Development Communication promotes rice science for sustainable development through strategic use of communication media. It plays a major and significant part in communicating the results/products of rice science effectively, particularly to the intended users.Information Systems and Data Management will interactively and collaboratively cater to the data information needs of rice stakeholders. The integration of information systems with the rice R&D will help to systematically plan, schedule, share, and document key activities that support the development of rice production technologies, farm equipment, technology transfer, and the production of high-quality rice varieties.

E. Area-Based Rice R&D ProjectsCutting across R&D programs are station-based projects that address location- specific problems in areas of operations of PhilRiceBatac, Isabela, Los Baos, Bicol, Negros, Midsayap, and Agusan branch stations.PhilRiceBatacserves as the nucleus or core for development and improvement of intensified rice-based agri-bio systems (IRBAS) technologies and enterprises in semi- arid areas and other environments in Northwestern Luzon. It shall also develop technologies and management options for rice and rice-based crops in the rainfed and drought-prone environments, such as water harvesting, conservation and management, and mechanized rice-based farm production and postproduction operations.PhilRiceIsabelafocuses on development of IRBAS technology packages and enterprises for Northeastern Luzon that also features the high-yielding yet low-cost 10-5 (10 tons per hectare at Php 5.00 per kg palay unit production cost) technology system anchored on hybrid rice.

PhilRice Los Baos, in addition to being the Institutes principal office, serves as nucleus for developing and radiating IRBAS technology and enterprise systems in the Calabarzon region (Region IV-A). Its partnership with IRRI and host, UPLB will also focus on basic research studies in plant breeding, crop protection, agronomy and soils, rice chemistry and food science for the generation of new products out of invention, innovation or discovery. The station also shall oversee the development of PhilRice Mindoro satellite station as the IRBAS nucleus estate model for the entire Mindoro Island.PhilRice Bicol develops and promotes IRBAS technology packages and enterprise systems for the Bicol Region with special focus on climate change adaptation and resilience. It will also shepherd the PhilRice Samar satellite station which will be developed as the IRBAS-focused nucleus to spur rural transformation and development and attain inclusive growth in the entire Samar Island.PhilRice Negros pilot-tests, fine-tunes and radiates fossil fuel-free IRBAS technology packages and enterprises for Western Visayas, even as it is being transformed into an organic rice-based integrated and diversified product development center.

PhilRiceAgusanis the Institutes IRBAS nucleus estate for Northern Mindanao. Similar to PhilRice Bicol, it will also refine and promote IRBAS technologies and enterprises to CARAGA communities vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, it will also address challenges, such as nutrient-deficient and problem soils and low solar radiation in the area because of frequent rainfall. It also oversees the PhilRice CMU field station and office located inside the Central Mindano University campus in Maramag, Bukidnon, where 100 hectares have been made available by CMU to PhilRice for rice seed production and IRBAS technology and enterprise development and promotion in Central Mindanao. In addition, PhilRiceAgusan also initially supervises the development of the PhilRiceZamboangasatellite station into the IRBAS nucleus estate model for the Zamboanga Peninsula.PhilRiceMidsayapis being transformed to be the IRBAS nucleus estate model for Southern Mindanao, with focus on ecological engineering and integrated pest management practices because of the prevalence of pests of rice and other crops within the region

Technologies Developed by PhilRicePhilRices technologies include varieties, machineries, and diagnostic tools.Varieties.To date, hundreds of high-yielding varieties were already developed for various ecosystems such as irrigated lowland, rainfed, upland, saline-prone areas, frought-prone areas, submerged areas, and cool-elevated areas. These were developed both through conventional and non-conventional methods.Machines. PhilRice also developed machines for land preparation such as laboy tiller, micro-tiller, ride-on attachment for hand tractor; and for crop establishment such as plastic drumseeder. To address the high cost of fuel energy, environment-friendly and lean technologies were also developed such as wind pump irrigation system, rice husk gasifier, engine systems, and floating pump. Likewise, to address the issues of labor scarcity in some areas, machines for harvesting were also developed, such as the rice mini-combine rotary reaper. Other post-harvest machines and technologies were also developed, such as the seed cleaner, flat-bed dryers, and the saclab for seed storage.

Diagnostic ToolsDiagnostic tools were also developed to aid farmers in their decision-making. Normally, farmers just apply Nitrogen fertilizers according to their own perception. Hence, PhilRice developed the leaf color chart (LCC) to determine Nitrogen fertilizer needs of the plants. Likewise, the Minus One Element Technique (MOET) was developed to determine the Nitrogen Status of the soil.

Issues Addressed by PhilRiceBeing the leading government agency in the field of Rice Research and Development Philrice is addressing several issues:

I. Socio-Economic Issues. a. Limited skills and knowledge of farmers to make the proper decisions to increase their yields resulting to decrease in income. Philrice are setting up technology demonstration farms all over the country introducing technologies on balanced fertilization, integrated pest management and hybrid rice production. This intervention aims to maximize yield levels of farmers thereby increasing profitability. b. Lack of effective irrigation system and availability of modern machineries affecting the rice yield. The government through the expertise of Philrice is coming out with improved irrigation systems and advanced machineries at a cost affordable to farmers.

c.Lack of credit facilities resulting to farmers inability to acquire processing and storage facilities forcing them to sell their harvest early at a lower price. Philrice, through its development group, is assisting the farmers to access credit by acting as the link between the financing institutions and the farmers. d. The need for social cohesion and solidarity of farmers. The farmers need to be organized in order to improve their well being by uniting and fighting against exclusion and marginalization. They must have a common goal, acting as one so that they cannot be exploited by traders and middlemen and could be able to command better price for their crops. The Philrice through its extension arm is helping the farmers along this goal by doing extension education like capacity building (training, seminars etc) that will lead to empowerment of the farmers.

II. Environmental issues.

a. Unpredictable weather patterns and extreme weather conditions characterized by prolong draught (el nino) and excessive rainfall and flooding attributed to climate change. To address these issues a Climate Change Center was established at Philrice to comprehend and understand the impacts of climate change in the Philippine Rice Farming System. Some of the projects undertaken to mitigate or adapt to climate change: developing rice varieties resistant to soil salinity, drought, water submergence etc.; minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in rice production and processes by addressing the effects of pest pressures and too much used of nitrogen fertilizer. b. Low technology adoption. It was noted that despite of all the efforts to increase the productivity and profitability of the farmers, technologies developed and disseminated are partially or not adopted at all by the farmers. Philrice is looking at this problem in two ways internally and externally. The agency is looking at the linkage of Research and Extension. The problem might be the way the technologies developed by the research group are being disseminated by the extension group. Since the linkage between Research and Extension is weak a gap might be created in the transition from of technologies from research to extension which is creating a problem with technology diffusion and adoption. Philrice is looking to fill the gap between Research and Extension Linkage (REL). Externally Philrice is looking for effective linkages among research, extension and farmers. Technologies to be effective in generating economic growth and in addressing social change must be accepted and adopted by the ultimate users. Philrice is trying to ensure that all information are being given and trying to determine the problems to guide the agency on what technologies to develop and increase acceptance and adoption of the technologies. Its communication division is coming out with flipcharts, modules, instructional materials, learning exercises etc to be used by extension workers in training the farmers.c. Availability and allocation of resources. As with other government agencies there is also the recurring issue on funding or resource allocation. It is well known that budget of Philrice for R&D is insufficient considering the area of its responsibility. Philrice is continuously establishing linkages with other countries, international agencies, and other research institutions to secure funding, aids, grants and research collaborations the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network (ARBN), Rice Genome Program of Japan (JRGP) and with other countries like Australia, USA, Germany etc. And with the separation of research and development ,with development merged with extension funding became more problematic with the both research and development asking for higher funding as separate agencies. This separation also created some organizational problems.

Needs for Improving PhilRices R&D Capabilities

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