PhilRice's 23rd National Rice R & D Conference

Rice, our staple food, remains to be the most popular researchable agri-commodity. This was once more proven in the recently concluded 23rd National Rice Research and Development Conference held at Umali Hall, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which was very well-attended by researchers and agri-development workers from all over the country.

Our organization (with new name), the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PH Mech) (formerly the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension) is well-represented through the participation of 3 directors, a division chief and a senior researcher, namely Dr. J. Falla, Dr. M. Bulaong, Dir. R. Paz, Dr. N. Pasalo and Ms. A. Rodriguez-Salvador, respectively. Dr. Falla has a special participation as one of the judges in the Search for Best Paper (Techno-Promo Category) along with DA U/Secretary Edmund Sana and Dr. Rose Honrade of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).

This is the first time that the organizer, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) hold this Conference outside their Central Experiment Station in Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, with a very timely theme of Addressing Climate Change thru Rice Science. This year's keynote speaker was Atty. Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, the Commissioner of the newly constituted Climate Change Commission, and a staunch advocate of environmental protection. IRRI's Director-General Robert S. Zeigler welcome the participants in his remarks where he pinned-down the importance of environment-rice production relationship. The Conference was formally open by PhilRice Executive Director Atty. Ronilo A. Beronio, where he briefly trace the history of rice research, and provide the participants of what they are going to expect in the entire conference like rice technology that would mitigate and adapt to the climate change such as drought and flooding.

The Conference closes through a simple ceremonies composed of awarding of winners for Best Papers and Posters, a synthesis by Deputy Director Dr. Eulito Bautista, and a remarks and vote of thanks by Exec. Director Atty. Beronio. (30)