Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program deploys 17 trainees from Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro here for field training following their 8-week online sessions.

From Sept. 19 to Oct. 14, trainees’ skills on field problem diagnosis and evaluation and crop management will be enhanced through agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA). They will also undergo hands-on training on rice machinery operations and roguing among other production aspects.

“The online lessons make more sense for me when I experience them with all my five senses. The theories and ideas become reality and I’m able to retain the information better,”  Zenaida Villanueva of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro said.

PhilRice field workers will also help them enhance their training and facilitation skills and in explaining rice science and technology. 

The RCEF Rice Extension Services Program is funded under the Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which aims to be competitive amidst trade liberalization. RTL allocates  P10 billion fund every year to provide farmers with free certified inbred seeds, farm machines, and training. Rice farmers also receive loan assistance from the program.
(Aura Shaznay Tumulak, PhilRice)