Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) and the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) conducted a coordination meeting to explore a partnership under the Local Seed Support to Rice Production Program, funded by the DA–National Rice Program. The proposed collaboration seeks to strengthen local rice seed production, improve farmers’ access to high-quality seeds, and support the transfer of appropriate seed production technologies to rice-growing communities.
Representatives from PhilRice’s Seed Systems Team, based at the Central Experiment Station in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, led the discussion. The delegation was headed by Mr. Ulysses G. Duque and included Mr. Annacleto B. Esplana, Regional Seed Coordinator of PhilRice Bicol. During the meeting, the PhilRice representatives presented the key objectives of the Rice Seed Systems Program, including ensuring the timely availability of and access to quality inbred and hybrid rice seeds, producing seeds for specialized markets, and strengthening collaboration among public and private stakeholders involved in rice seed systems.
A major focus of the discussion was the Local Seed Support to Rice Production initiative, which aims to mainstream the use of improved rice varieties through the National Rice Seed Network. The program particularly seeks to assist areas affected by adverse production conditions and to make seeds derived from breeding and research outputs more accessible to farmers. Its major components include the production of higher seed classes of rice, distribution through the National Rice Seed Network, capacity building on improved seed production technologies and digital tools, production of hybrid parent lines, and technology demonstrations involving public hybrid rice varieties.
The prospective DEBESMSCAT–PhilRice partnership also highlights the College’s direct engagement with a national government institution in the enhancement of agricultural policies and strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its involvement in the Local Seed Support to Rice Production Program, DEBESMSCAT can contribute institutional and local inputs in identifying production concerns, addressing seed-system challenges, and developing responsive policies and strategies in support of the DA–National Rice Program. The collaboration may further support the monitoring and reporting of seed production interventions, the sharing of technical knowledge, and adaptive management measures that respond to the needs of rice farmers and local communities.
DEBESMSCAT expressed its commitment to support the initiative by making several hectares of institutional land available for seed production. The College will also provide access to its facilities, machinery, technical personnel, and other available resources to facilitate program implementation. This institutional support can help promote sustainable agricultural production, food security, rural development, and innovation by increasing the availability of quality seeds and strengthening local seed production capacity.
As part of the coordination activity, PhilRice representatives visited the proposed seed production areas and inspected other institutional facilities that may be utilized under the partnership. A short technical session was likewise conducted for faculty members and staff of DEBESMSCAT’s College of Agriculture to enhance their knowledge of improved seed production technologies and relevant program requirements. The meeting was led by Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, together with Dr. Donnata Valer, Dean of the College of Agriculture, and was attended by faculty members and staff from the Production and Commercialization Unit.
A Memorandum of Agreement is expected to be signed to formalize the partnership between DEBESMSCAT and PhilRice. The agreement is anticipated to define the roles, responsibilities, program outputs, monitoring mechanisms, and collaborative activities of both institutions in supporting the Local Seed Support to Rice Production Program and the broader objectives of the DA–National Rice Program.
Ladies and gentlemen,
