14 October 2021 – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) through Director General Jean Balié formally transitioned Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS) Philippines to the Philippine Department of Agriculture today during the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) National Convention and Formal Transition Ceremony hosted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
“RCM Philippines is a major digital agricultural product that is a result of the partnership between IRRI and the DA, which includes intensive collaborations and research work on crop research, product development, and extension services. This project serves as a model of how science can be translated into results through access to science, and evidence-based information using technology supported platforms,” Balié shared in his message.
DA Secretary William D. Dar thanked IRRI for its support, highlighting RCM’s significance in benefitting Filipino rice farmers and agricultural extension workers.
“Now as the RCMAS Philippines will fully shift from a project to an integrated program by the Department of Agriculture, we are expecting that this transition would further help us in our One DA reform agenda by 2022,” Dar added.
In a message, PhilRice Director John de Leon acknowledged the support of RCM’s partner agencies and emphasized the importance of fulfilling DA’s mantra, Masaganang Ani at Masaganang Kita. He said, “Make the Philippines food secure and resilient and our farmers, even our fisherfolks prosperous and empowered and I hope that you noticed by now that the RCM is a great tool to make that happen.”
The event also showcased 12 RCM-related research conducted by the regional partners. RCM’s net benefits, assessment and evaluation on the effectiveness of adoption were some of the studies highlighted.
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