September 18, 2025 — Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) and the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRICE) held a coordination meeting to explore a partnership under the Local Seed Support to Rice Production Program, funded by the DA–National Rice Program.
Representatives from PhilRice’s Seed Systems team based at the Central Experiment Station in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, led by Mr. Ulysses G. Duque, presented the key objectives of the program in the meeting, along with Mr. Annacleto B. Esplana, Regional Seed Coordinator from PhilRICE Bicol.
The meeting focused on the objectives of the Rice Seed Systems Program, which include ensuring the timely availability and access to high-quality inbred and hybrid rice seeds, producing seeds for specialized markets, and strengthening collaboration with public and private stakeholders involved in rice seed systems.
One of the key discussions involved 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 targets areas affected by adverse conditions and aims to make seeds from breeding and research outputs more accessible to farmers.
Key components highlighted include, production of higher seed classes of rice, distribution through the National Rice Seed Network, capacity building on improved seed production technologies and digital tools, and production of hybrid parent lines and technology demonstrations of public hybrid rice varieties
DEBESMSCAT expressed its commitment to support the initiative by making available several hectares of land within the institution for seed production. The college will also provide access to its facilities and machinery to support the program’s implementation.
As part of the meeting, PhilRice representatives visited the proposed production areas and inspected other institutional facilities. A short technical session was also conducted for faculty members and staff of DEBESMSCAT’s College of Agriculture.
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, along with faculty members and staff from the Production and Commercialization Unit.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is expected to be signed to formalize the partnership.
Ladies and gentlemen,
