Regional and provincial researchers from the Philippines’ Region 3 scaled up their knowledge and skills in Direct Seeded Rice, particularly in digital data collection and best practices in Participatory Performance Testing and Validation (PPTV), through a workshop facilitated by Dr. Mary Jean Du, Breeding Lead for IRRI’s Rice Breeding Innovations Department-Southeast Asia Region.
DSR is increasingly recognized as a sustainable and efficient approach to rice farming, offering several advantages over traditional transplanting methods. These benefits include reduced labor costs, as DSR eliminates manual transplanting requirements, making it a more cost-effective option, particularly in regions facing labor shortages. It also conserves water, which is critical in areas where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Additionally, DSR has environmental benefits, such as reducing methane emissions and minimizing soil degradation. These advantages align closely with OneRicePH's goal of promoting sustainable and efficient rice production nationwide.
Region 3 seeks to build up its capacity in implementing DSR; hence, the training was a crucial step in enhancing the capabilities of its researchers. About 37 participants from various agencies participated in the training, which included Local Government Units (LGUs) from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 3 (DA-RFO 3), the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
In her opening message, Dr. Irene M. Adion, OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations, and Integrated Laboratory Services, expressed her gratitude to IRRI for the opportunity to train their researchers as they implement DSR in their various research endeavors. The training was delivered by Ms. Maria Cristina Heredia, an expert in DSR and IRRI assistant scientist for the Early Maturity Breeding Group. Participants delved into the protocol in establishing DSR trials and data collection procedures. They also engaged in hands-on training using the Fieldbook and Canopeo apps, which are crucial for effective digital data management.
Day two involved presentations and discussions of outputs from the provincial workshops, encouraging knowledge-sharing and refining of approaches. This collaborative format allowed participants to gain further insights into the practical applications of DSR in their regions.
The training ended with participants completing a post-assessment survey to evaluate training impacts. The survey revealed several key outcomes, with 95% of participants indicating a remarkable improvement in their knowledge of DSR techniques and digital data collection. Additionally, 90% felt more confident in applying DSR methods and utilizing digital tools in their trials. The practical and interactive nature of the training gained high commendations, with many participants suggesting the inclusion of more case studies in future sessions.
The feedback collected from this post-assessment will guide the design of future training programs, ensuring that researchers are well-prepared to advance DSR practices and improve data management. With the skills and knowledge gained from this training, Region 3 is poised to lead the adoption of direct-seeded rice, contributing to increased productivity and sustainable rice farming in the Philippines.
Dr. Du, who also leads the OneRicePH project, and her team organized the event held at the Savannah Resort Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga on September 4-5, 2024.
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