The Philippine Rice Research Institute is seeking funding to improve its research and development facilities in Murcia, Negros Occidental and six other stations in the country.

In a report released yesterday, PhilRice said that the project seeks to strengthen the capabilities of PhilRice R&D centers in developing and promoting location-specific technologies in strategic areas.

Aside from Negros Occidental, the project will also be implemented in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Midsayap, North Cotabato; Los Baños, Laguna; RTR, Agusan del Norte; Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; and San Mateo, Isabela. PhilRice in Murcia, the first station in the Visayas established more than three years ago, maintains a 90-hectare farm in Brgy. Cansilayan, the report said.

Headed by branch head Edgar Libetario, the Murcia station is conducting research and development studies and technology promotion activities that aim to increase production through cost-reducing technologies and environment-friendly practices.

It is also working on the identification of a promising special purpose rice and appropriate production technologies that will support the efforts toward the Negros Island Go Organic movement.

PhilRice, headed by executive director Leocadio Sebastian, said in its report the Philippine Investment Coordination Committee - Cabinet Committee has already approved its proposal for strengthening of R&D activities for its seven stations, the report added.

It has already been forwarded to the National Economic and Development Authority Board for confirmation and NEDA will then endorse the proposal to the Government of Japan under its General Grant-Aid Program for consideration.

The proposed budget support from GOJ is P600 million from GOJ and P118 million from the Philippine government, for taxes and duties, banking fees, and operation and maintenance costs.

The project will cover the construction of facilities for farm operations and mechanization, crop service and office/laboratory buildings, seed storage, and the provision of laboratory and farm equipment.

The facilities will support the implementation of the ongoing technical cooperation projects between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and PhilRice, the report added.*NLG

back to top