Warm greetings!

We were instantly on the move after the Holidays; conducting workshops on strategizing the deployment of our technologies and on positioning rice-related policies.

Let’s breathe for a while. Read the welcome message of our acting executive director, Dr. Sailila E. Abdula. How did we fare in 2018? What are the expectations from us this new year? In this message, he encourages us to support the upcoming Rice Tariffication Act or currently the Senate Bill 1998, which aims to replace import restrictions on rice with tariffs.

The upcoming Act, especially our thrusts under the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund, will stir more of our busy days. These motivational tips from our colleagues who had been with the Institute for more than 20 years will bring inspiration.

We always want something new as the year changes. Just this week, PhilRice INTRANET service was launched; allowing the employees to access online and automated services in one central location. This is an exciting innovation as our transactions will be fully automated in the next few years.

January is also the birth anniversary of former President Cory C. Aquino. Through her support, we were given a grant-in-aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, providing the Institute with facilities and research equipment. Know more about her contributions to PhilRice.

With the possible influx of cheap rice from the international market, let’s help the farmers start the year with new knowledge for prosperity! Let’s inform them of the most convenient and most practical way to gain new knowledge: either by joining Palay-Aralan, visiting Rice Science Museum and Future Rice Farm, browsing over the www.pinoyrice.com, or contacting the PhilRice Text Center (0917 111 7423).

As we start to meet the challenges for us this year, PhilRice is keen on recruiting new staff. Spread our vacancies in your network.

Those are just for now, but please like our FB page to know about our recently launched Palay-Aralan, an informal learning venue for farmers; our media dialogue on making rice healthier; and also our conversations with the 3-5 year-olds on not wasting rice.

Please continue sharing our e-newsletter to your colleagues. Thank you.