By Caren Grace R. Cabanayan-Carbonell and Danica Veraño

 

BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) showcased climate-smart technologies, improved rice varieties, and agricultural machinery that can help farmers manage water, reduce production costs, and sustain rice production amid El Niño during the Lakbay Palay 2026 in Batac City held on Oct. 8.

The Lakbay Palay, anchored on the theme “PhilRice’s Best: Handal Laban sa El Niño,” gathered various government agencies, researchers, specialists, and farmers from across the Ilocos Region.

It featured a field tour, technology exhibits, Tekno Klinik, PalayTalakayan, and plenary sessions highlighting technologies suited to different farming conditions.

PhilRice Batac Station Director I Mary Ann U. Baradi said the activity aims to provide farmers with practical options that can help them cope with changing weather conditions, particularly the effects of El Niño.

“The goal of the Lakbay Palay is to share the different technologies developed by our institute so these can become options for our farmers, especially now that we are experiencing El Niño,” Baradi said.

Among those showcased were location-specific and short-maturing rice varieties, including varieties suited for irrigated, rain-fed, drought-prone, and heat-prone areas.

Water-saving technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems and the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technique were also demonstrated.

Agricultural machinery was likewise featured to reduce labor requirements and production expenses, with labor accounting for around 40 to 50% of total rice production costs.

The activity also highlighted PhilRice’s role under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in providing high-quality and certified seeds to farmers to help improve productivity and yields.

This year’s Lakbay Palay likewise provided opportunities for interaction through the PalayTalakayan and Tekno Klinik, where farmers raised concerns, shared experiences, and consulted experts on issues affecting their farms.

Youth farmer Joshua Garcia Vergara, a member of the 4-H Club from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, noted the importance of encouraging young people to take part in agriculture.

“DA is helping us become more engaged in agriculture and encouraging us to take care of our environment, protect our farms, value our farmers, and love the land where we come from,” Vergara said.

Through the Lakbay Palay, DA-PhilRice seeks to improve farmers’ access to technologies and knowledge that can help them conserve resources, lower production costs, maintain productivity, and build resilience against El Niño and other climate-related challenges. (CCMT/CGRCC/DV, PIA Ilocos Norte)