Polillo, Quezon, the Philippines
March 24, 2026
Polillo Vice Mayor Ginalyn O. Flores urged rice farmers to adopt technologies suited to their local conditions to help reduce production costs and improve yields during a recent training in the municipality.
Speaking before 32 farmer-participants, Flores said continuous learning is key to strengthening livelihoods, especially as production costs rise and farming conditions change.
Under the SMART Farm Program of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the three-day activity introduced integrated crop management, covering diagnostic tools, ecological practices, and fertilizer recommendations.
Dr. Michelle C. Quimbo, SMART Farm project leader in PhilRice Los Baños, said the practices shared were based on results of location-specific technology trials, which are now being promoted in the area.
Sessions covered agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA), which helps farmers observe field conditions and identify pests and beneficial insects; the Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET), used to determine lacking nutrients in the soil; and the Leaf Color Chart (LCC), a guide for nitrogen application.
Farmers were also introduced to biological control, nutrient and weed management, and machinery such as drumseeders, mechanical transplanters, and drone seeders. Digital tools like the PalayCheck App were also presented.
“We are very thankful because we learned to identify our allies and enemies among insects. Before, whenever we saw even a few, we would immediately spray. We also learned the importance of proper fertilizer management—knowing the right elements, amount, and timing,” said farmer-participant Joanamel Azarias.
Flores and Dr. Rolando V. Maningas of the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON reaffirmed support for farmers as partners work to expand location-based technologies in the municipality.
The activity was conducted through collaboration among PhilRice Los Baños, ATI CALABARZON, DA–CALABARZON Regional Field Office, Regional Crop Protection Center IV-A, DA-4A Regulatory Division, and the Polillo Office of the Municipal Agriculturist.
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