Diliman, Quezon City – To chart the direction of the next phase of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Training and Extension Component, the Policy and Planning Division (PPD) spearheaded the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 RCEF Training and Extension Component Operational Planning Workshop. Held on January 9-10, 2025, at the Rural Development Education Center (RDEC) Training Hall, the workshop aimed to strengthen the implementation of the RCEF Training and Extension Component by reviewing FY 2025 plans and crafting the program’s Logical Framework. This collaborative initiative introduced key thrusts and priorities, addressed key issues, and developed strategies to enhance program delivery and efficiency.
The activity gathered representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Department of Agriculture National Rice Program (DA-NRP), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Recognized for their expertise in pest and disease management and soil health, representatives from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) were also invited as new integral partners in the RCEF Training and Extension Component Technical Working Group, respectively.
Engr. Christopher V. Morales, Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development outlined the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program as part of the broader strategy for the rice sector. The program centers on four pillars: Matatag (resilience and stability), Sama-sama (economies of scale through clustering), Ganado (modernizing production), and Napapanahon (promoting digitalization in agriculture). Engr. Morales emphasized the importance of the MRIDP pathway, which include three (3) key strategies on how to drive effective implementation: Converge targets interventions to rice farmer clusters for maximum impact; Cooperate fosters collaboration among farmers, LGUs, and stakeholders; and Coordinate ensures effective communication and alignment among agencies, optimizing resources and strategies for success.
Moving forward, the DA aims to coordinate and converge efforts with local government units (LGUs) and non-government stakeholders to develop multi-year MRIDP work plans. These plans will prioritize adopting new technologies, enhancing farmer skills in digital agriculture, and improving disaster risk mitigation in the face of climate change and pest outbreaks.
During the workshop, key priorities for RCEF 2.0 were discussed, including strengthening rice clusters, enhancing industry coordination, and advancing digitalization. Programs such as the Farmers’ Field School and machinery training were set to be refined to better meet farmers' needs. Furthermore, the adoption of digital tools and innovative practices to boost productivity were prioritized. Efforts also emphasized effective information dissemination, disaster risk mitigation, and adoption of the adjusted 2025 planting calendar.
Timelines and deliverables were agreed upon, including the submission of revised FY 2025 work and financial plans by January 17, 2025, and inputs on the draft Logical Framework by February 26, 2025. Collaborative meetings among implementing agencies were also scheduled to refine strategies and ensure alignment with RCEF objectives.
Through concerted efforts and strategic planning, the workshop paved the way for an enhanced RCEF 2.0 Training and Extension Component. Collaboration among stakeholders strengthens the program’s commitment to improving the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers while addressing challenges in the agricultural sector.
