News and Events

DA RFU 5 turns over PhP1.5M to CSC to fund research on indigenous rice
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit No. 5 (RFU) turned over on June 6, 2012 to CSC President, Dr Minerva I. Morales, PhP1.5 million check for the Representatives from DA-RFU 5 turns over to Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CSC SUC President III, the P1.5 million check for the implementation of Catanduanes Indigenous Rice Development Program (CIRDEP) research program.implementation of Catanduanes Indigenous Rice Development Program (CIRDEP).

CIRDEP is a research program that aims to focus on the production of traditional rice varieties utilizing local knowledge as a vehicle towards poverty alleviation and food security. Indigenous rice varieties will be underscored and marketed, among others, as health food. Likewise, matured rice production technologies will be used to increase production and income; achieve food security, and help alleviate poverty incidence.

The program implementation will consist of four research project components. These are Benchmarking of Indigenous Rice Cultivars Grown in Catanduanes, which will collect, identify and document the characteristics of indigenous rice varieties; document farming practices and yield performance of indigenous rice varieties; and, document socioeconomic status of upland rice growers.

The Multi-Location Testing of Saline and Drought Rice Varieties in Catanduanes research component will evaluate growth, yield and economic performance of saline rice in different locations in Catanduanes, and assess growth, yield, and economic performance of drought-resistant varieties in different locations in Catanduanes.

The third research component which is Technology Infusion in Growing Indigenous Rice Cultivars will apply matured rice farming technologies in on-farm participatory scheme using candidates for best indigenous rice varieties; evaluate the best rice farming technologies using agro climatic, yield, economic and sustainability indicators; and mass produce quality seeds.

The fourth research component will center on Advocacy and Training for Sustainable Farming System to create awareness among farmers/stakeholders of the benefits of SFS; infuse sustained rice farming practices; institutionalize as knowledge, skills and attitude that are environment-friendly and sustainable among the farmers; and, evaluate the role of women in sustainable farming system. (GSRubio/PR and Information Services)