DA-BAR and IRRI discuss strategies for advanced rice research and innovation in the Philippines

Los Baños, Laguna (April 30, 2025) — The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and research partners including the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), and Visayas State University (VSU), successfully concluded a two-day Joint Research for Development (R4D) Review and Planning Meeting held from April 29 to 30, 2025 , at IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.

The high-level engagement brought together key leaders and technical experts from different organizations to assess progress on ongoing collaborative projects, evaluate new research proposals, and explore collaborations to strengthen rice research and innovation across the Philippines.

“This partnership continues to be a driving force behind meaningful agricultural R4D in the country,” said Dr. Junel B. Soriano , Director of DA-BAR. “Our discussions with IRRI and partners reaffirmed our shared vision of building resilient and inclusive rice systems.”

IRRI’s project updates showcased a range of innovative projects and proposals designed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in rice-based systems. Highlights included OneRicePH , which focuses on scaling market-driven rice breeding technologies, with discussions on improving seed systems and market integration. Updates on Climate Smart Pest Management (CSPM) explored pest control innovations tailored for a changing climate, and the Drones4Rice project which emphasized the need for standardized drone application protocols to enhance precision agriculture. The discussions highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches, technology integration, effective scaling, institutional collaboration, and capacity building to drive meaningful change across the Philippines’ rice sector.

The meeting also spotlighted DA-BAR’s flagship programs focused on advancing sustainable, community-based agricultural innovations, showcasing the bureau’s commitment to inclusive rural development and sustainable…