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NEWS & EVENTS

Dec 04, 2025

SCALE UP Program reviews 2025 gains, plans expansion

The Sustainable Community-Based Action R4DE for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE UP) Program held its National Year-end Review and Planning Workshop on November 24-28, 2025, in Tayabas City, Quezon Province. Participants evaluated the project’s achievements, proposed solutions for current operational challenges, and discussed strategies to improve the program’s 2026 roll-out. Setting the tone for the five-day activity, DA-BAR OIC-Director Joell H. Lales delivered his keynote message remotely. He stressed the importance of stronger public-private collaboration and the  necessity of moving beyond fundamental research to accelerate the deployment of proven technologies needed to achieve food self-sufficiency and economic improvement for farmers. He also related the important role that SCALE UP will play in the implementation of the Executive Order No. 101, which aims to direct the full implementation of RA 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act. The policy aims to achieve sustainable modern agriculture and food security through public-private partnerships, thereby increasing the income of farmers and fisherfolk. “SCALE UP plays a very important role because we have ready technologies coming from our partners and other existing programs; we are propagating convergence in our implementation,” Lales said.Lales urged the program implementers to focus on a bigger scale, beyond SCALE UP’s foundation on soil health. “We must put our focus on a bigger scale now—the production aspect, the need to increase yield. In the bigger sense, SCALE UP is after its impact on our farmers,” he said.The DA-BAR technical staff presented monitoring results, while implementing agencies (IAs)—DA-CALABARZON, DA-Eastern Samar, DA-Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur—shared progress reports, accomplishments, and updates. These pilot IAs, along with DA-Cagayan Valley, which is slated for implementation in 2026, also submitted their proposals for the upcoming year.Farms employing SCALE UP practices across the pilot IAs delivered significant average yield increase in different commodities compared to farms using old farmers’ practices. Demonstrations showed a 26.52% increase in rice, 15.13% in corn, 82.1% in eggplant, 27.74% in squash, 27.1% in watermelon, and 51.1% increase in cassava.Four farmers from various sites in the Quezon Province attended the activity to share their experiences with the SCALE UP Program. They reported that learning the proper application of fertilizers and integrated pest management through the program led to significant cost savings by shifting toward more targeted, efficient resource use.Santiago M. Piñera, president of the Sitio Iringan Rice Farmers Association based in Pagbilao, emphasized this point, saying, “Kami ay nakatipid dahil sinusunod namin ang rekomendasyon ng pagpapasuri ng lupa, at hindi na rin kami basta bili ng bili ng pestisidyo.”To solidify these gains and achieve wider, long-term impact, this year’s ways forward involve formalizing and strengthening partnerships with local government and the private sector, institutionalizing soil health cards and fertility maps, capacity building, and enterprise development. Representatives from DA-Central Luzon and DA-Northern Mindanao also attended the activity as part of the program’s intention of further expanding the coverage areas.The SCALE UP Program employs matured technologies to enhance agricultural efficiency, productivity, and profitability. It uses soil health assessment to develop scientifically backed interventions and links farming communities to market-driven income opportunities, to improve their quality of life.

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Dec 03, 2025

DA-BAR’s strong partnership with DA-PhilRice honored for advancing Rice R4D

The DA-BAR earned a Certificate of Recognition for its unwavering partnership and support to the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), for actively advancing national program on rice research for development (R4D) and extension. DA-BAR OIC Director Joell H. Lales accepted the plaque during the 37th Ugnay Palay National R4D Conference held in Nueva Ecija on November 25–27, 2025.The award recognized the bureau’s vital role in strengthening inter-agency collaboration, which has contributed to the effective implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at improving the country’s rice sector and supporting Filipino farmers.In his testimonial message, Lales emphasized that the DA-BAR and DA-PhilRice partnership significantly advanced rice research for development nationwide. He stressed that their collaboration draws its true inspiration from a shared vision, transcending the implemented projects and developed technologies. “It is the belief that when we work together, we can uplift the lives of our farmers, strengthen our rice industry, and secure a better future for Filipino families,” he said.Many technologies developed and implemented by PhilRice, funded by the DA National Rice Program through DA-BAR, are now widely used. Farmers and implementers are widely adopting these projects for the significant benefits they deliver.These innovations include vital decision support tools for the rice industry, such the Philippine Rice Information System—Southeast Asia's first satellite-based rice monitoring system, and the Rice Seed Information System—a digital platform that uses ICT tools to efficiently manage and share rice seed data in collaboration with industry players.DA-PhilRice also implemented digital agriculture platforms that provide personalized farm management advice. These include the Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service and the Pest Risk Identification and Management, helping farmers boost productivity and profitability.In terms of mechanization, the Multi-Purpose (MP) Seeder is the dry direct-seeding machine developed specifically for rainfed Philippine areas. It supports farmers in optimizing crop establishment. As of writing five manufacturers of MP Seeder are currently operating across the country. Other key programs focus on capacity building and enterprise development. The Rice Business Innovations Systems  Program transforms small-scale farming into profitable enterprises by empowering farmers as agripreneurs. Additionally, the Digital Agriculture Course trains farmers on modern, technology-driven farming practices.DA-PhilRice continues to collaborate with partners like the International Rice Research Institute and the University of the Philippines Los Baños on future innovations, including the OneRicePH technologies.The 37th Ugnay Palay National Rice R4D Conference also marked DA-PhilRice’s 40th anniversary.  The annual event gathered researchers, policymakers, farmers, youth leaders, and industry partners to reflect on the four decades of rice innovation and explore future solutions for rice research, development, and extension.

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Nov 26, 2025

DA-BAR, stakeholders convene to formulate 2029–2033 OARDEAP

DA-BAR convened with stakeholders and research for development (R4D) partners to map out the future direction of the Organic Agriculture Research and Development, Extension Agenda and Programs (OARDEAP) in a consultative workshop held on November 24-26, 2025 in Quezon City.“Ultimately, the OA RDEAP 2029–2033 will serve as a strategic guide that will contribute in shaping a dynamic and sustainable organic agriculture sector—one that enhances farmers’ livelihoods, safeguards public health, and contributes to environmental sustainability,” said Maylen V. Cunanan, BAR-NOAP R4D lead person.In his opening message, DA-BAR OIC-Director Joell H. Lales urged the participants to intensify their efforts: “Let us collectively embrace this highly significant three-day event as a pivotal opportunity to further cultivate our shared expertise and intensify collaborative endeavors in the formulation of a more dynamic and sustainable OA RDEAP.”Participated by focal persons and representatives from the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) and regional field offices of DA, the National Organic Agriculture Board, academic and research institutions, the private sector, and various organic agriculture (OA) practitioners and advocates, the activity aimed to ensure that future initiatives are directly aligned with the pressing needs and emerging challenges faced by the organic agriculture industry.Key discussions centered on the strategic plan and program initiatives of the DA-NOAP, an overview of OA R4D efforts by the DA-BAR and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development as funding institutions, and research gaps and opportunities in the development of OA standards, as presented by the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards. Recent and ongoing OA R4D projects were also presented by the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, DA-Philippine Coconut Industry, DA-Bureau of Animal Industry, and DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.Participants delved into potential key researchable and thematic areas, as well as the principal challenges and gaps concerning OA R4D activities and initiatives across five commodity groups: heirloom rice and cereal crops; fruits and plantation crops; vegetable, spices, and root crops; livestock and poultry; and fisheries during the breakout session.The commodity groups emphasized challenges in the food supply systems, particularly issues related to low productivity, difficulties in pest and disease management, and the need for codes of practice and Philippine National Standards for other priority organically produced commodities.DA-NOAP Director Bernadette F. San Juan, through her representative Advocacy and Policy Division Chief Lea C. Deriquito, underscored the importance of the activity as a crucial step toward establishing a more inclusive and adaptive medium-term OARDEAP in the Philippines.

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Nov 21, 2025

DA-BAR convenes roundtable discussion to guide impact assessment of livestock programs

To validate the scope and in preparation of the impact assessment project for implementation in 2026, the DA-BAR, through its Program Development Division (PDD), convened a roundtable discussion on the selected programs of the National Livestock Program (NLP) on November 19, 2025 in Diliman, Quezon City.The programs assessed were the Animal Production and Distribution (APAD) Program, which focuses on distributing animal stocks to qualified beneficiaries, organizations, or local government units for livelihood assistance; and the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program, which aims to increase the income of smallhold farmers by providing Livestock and Poultry Modules as a grant and offering technical assistance.Recognizing the critical role of the participants, PDD OIC-Head Anthony B. Obligado stressed that their “collective expertise, institutional knowledge, and on-the-ground experience form an essential foundation for today’s deliberations,” in his opening remarks.“Through this assessment, we aim to generate evidence-based insights that will help us identify both the strengths and the areas requiring further enhancement within these interventions. This process is critical in ensuring that our programs continue to support the productivity, resilience, and overall welfare of our livestock farmers, who play an indispensable role in sustaining the country’s food systems,” he added.The roundtable discussion was attended by the Research Division representatives and Livestock Focals of the DA regional field offices, as well as officials from NLP led by Planning Assistant Head Erlyn Jane B. Garcia. Experts from UPLB-College of Economics and Management, led by Assistant Professor Jaymee Alcos-Cabangbang were also present.PDD-Impact Evaluation and Policy Section Head Kris Thea Marie B. Hernandez appealed for the participants’ continued assistance and support to the UPLB as they conduct further data collection and validation in the field in the coming months. 

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Nov 07, 2025

DA-Eastern Visayas showcases SCALE UP success in Farmers’ Field Day and Forum

Over 150 farmers and partners participated in the Farmers’ Field Day and Farmers’ Forum on October 28 and 30, 2025, respectively, as the DA-Eastern Visayas showcased the success of the Sustainable Community-based Action R4DE for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE UP) Program.Held in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, the Farmers’ Field Day showcased the significant improvements achieved by adopting SCALE UP approaches in rice and vegetable demonstration farms, exhibiting an advantage over traditional farming methods.Farmer facilitator Bonifacio A. Pusa presented data from the rice participatory technology demonstration (PTD) trial. Covering the July-October planting season, the results showed that the farmers’ practice incurred a total production cost of PhP 62,650 per hectare, producing a yield of 4.40 MT, and a net income of PhP 5,450.In contrast, the SCALE UP practice achieved a lower production cost of PhP 58,750, a higher yield of 7.60 MT, and a net income of PhP 40,050 per hectare. At a farmgate price of PhP 13 per kilogram, the computed return on investment (ROI) was 8.70% for the farmers’ practice and 68.17% for the SCALE UP practice. Further, farmer facilitator Aquileo M. Acasio attested to how SCALE UP improved their farming practices in terms of fertilizer management and how it increased their net income.“Nang dahil sa SCALE UP at soil health analysis, mas alam na namin kung kailan dapat mag-apply nang abono at kung anong ilalagay namin. Dati, nanghuhula lang kami at apply lang nang apply, hindi tulad sa SCALE UP na sigurado talaga. Mas malaki rin ang ang kita namin sa SCALE UP, halos kalahati lang nito ang sa dating farmers’ practice,” he said. Acasio's vegetable PTD trial, covering May-September 2025, showed that the farmers' practice involving 200 eggplants incurred a total production cost of PhP 1,985, yielding 63.50 kg, a net income of PhP 1,190, and an ROI of 59.95%. Significantly, the SCALE UP practice recorded a lower cost of PhP 1,843, delivered a higher yield of 120.50 kg, and generated a net income of PhP 4,182, and an impressive ROI of 226.91%.Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Forum held in Allen, Samar served as a crucial avenue for knowledge exchange, focusing on essential topics for SCALE UP implementation. Private sector partners, including AgriSpecialist, Sagrex, and Bayer Crop Science, shared valuable insights with farmer beneficiaries and potential adopters. Discussions covered beneficial soil microorganisms, essential micronutrients for healthy plant development, and the impact of quality seed and planting materials for optimal crop production. Sherlita Bandibad, a farmer from Brgy. Cabacungan, said she decided to attend the Farmers’ Forum because she wants to adopt the SCALE UP practices, having heard positive feedback from fellow farmers.“Gusto ko maka-attend ng forum ng SCALE UP kasi gusto ko madagdagan ang kaalaman ko sa tamang paglalagay ng abono at para ma-i-adopt ko nang maayos ang SCALE UP sa aking sakahan. Maliit lang kasi ang kita namin noon, pero kapag na-adopt namin ang SCALE UP, baka dumami ang aming maaani,” Bandibad said.  DA-Eastern Visayas SCALE UP study leader Lovely C. Honor thanked the farmers for their openness to adopting new technologies.She said, “SCALE UP is truly meant for you [farmers]. With the use of proper and improved technologies, there is money in agriculture, and through this initiative, the team hopes to inspire the younger generation to see farming as a viable and rewarding enterprise.”OIC-Director Joell H. Lales, in a message delivered on his behalf by SCALE UP technical staff Bernadette P. Galve, expressed: “Hindi natin hahayaang matapos ang agrikultura sa pagtatanim at pag-aani lamang. Gusto nating maging agripreneur ang ating mga magsasaka.”“You are not just farmers. You are the people who feed the entire nation. And we, at DA, envision a future where every farmer is a successful agripreneur, handa sa kaalaman at skills para harapin ang nagbabagong mundo,” the message emphasized.Funded by DA-BAR, the SCALE UP Program is a community-based, participatory initiative leveraging scientific technologies rooted in soil health analysis to empower local farming communities. Its core objectives are to capacitate farmers, connect them with market players, and ultimately enhance their yield and income for improved livelihoods and sustainable progress.

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Nov 05, 2025

NIAHS ExeCom convenes, forms TWGs to institutionalize heritage sites

The Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS) Executive Committee (ExeCom) convened on November 3, 2025, in Diliman, Quezon City. The meeting was a key step in implementing the DA-DENR-NCIP-NCCA Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2023, which lays out the official rules to recognize and confirm NIAHS sites and ensures their protection.One of the key agenda was the creation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs) for NIAHS subcriteria and indicators. The TWG is responsible for developing policies, guidelines, and standards to institutionalize the NIAHS within DA. Their responsibilities include recommending criteria and indicators for identifying and managing NIAHS, conducting benchmarking for a national registry, and coordinating with regional offices, local government units, and partner institutions to identify priority areas. The ExeCom reviewed the proposed NIAHS subcriteria and indicators presented by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, who presided over the meeting in his capacity as permanent representative of the agriculture secretary and NIAHS ExeCom chair.Attending the meeting were NIAHS Vice Chairperson Joell H. Lales, DA-BAR OIC-director, as well as the permanent representatives of DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau director and NCCA chairperson.The ExeCom also invited DA agencies serving as members of the DA NIAHS TWG, including the Field Operations Service, National Organic Agriculture Program, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program, and Kabuhaya at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo.