Written and Photos, Taken by Jasp Daquigan

“Lumiliit na po ang mga lupang sakahan natin ngunit patuloy naman na dumarami ang mga tao kaya’t kailangan natin na hindi lang umani nang marami, kundi sabayan din natin ang tumataas na labor cost gamit ang mga makabagong teknolohiya.โ€

This was the statement made by Engr. Enrique H. Layola, Rice Program Coordinator, during the briefing for the beneficiaries of hybrid and inbred rice, and community seed exchange last May 2 – 4, 2018 in Pagbilao and Tayabas, Quezon and Naic, Cavite.

Ma. Annie S. Bucu, Regional Seed Coordinator, and Erickson M. Sagun, Agricultural Technician II, coordinated with the municipal and city agriculturists for the event to be successful. They also discussed some of the guidelines of the program with the help of representatives from the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) of the province.

Meanwhile, personnel from Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and seed companies like Pioneer and SL Agritech were invited to discuss with the farmer-beneficiaries the quality of seeds that they are going to receive, and from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to discuss the insurance of their crops.

This kind of briefing is continuously being conducted throughout the region by the Rice Program.