PhilRice hosts forum on methane reduction

MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija — The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) hosted a stakeholders forum on Thursday, focusing on reducing methane emissions from rice farms and promoting water-saving irrigation practices.

The event, held at the Plenary Hall, introduced the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method as part of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) initiative.

The JCM is a bilateral agreement between Japan and the Philippines, aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration includes technology transfer and provides carbon credits as incentives for farmers.

The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Japan, the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

Key figures at the forum included Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, PhilRice deputy executive director for Research; Tomoki Tanaka from MAFF Japan; Dr. Nobuko Katayanagi from NARO; and Jinky Lou Gumtang from NIA. They were joined by Dr. John C. De Leon, PhilRice Executive Director, and representatives from partner organizations such as Faeger, Kubota, Yanmar, Creattura, Green Carbon, and SAGRI, all contributing insights on lowering greenhouse gas emissions from rice farms.

In addition, PhilRice conducted a youth leadership training for 20 young leaders, aged 10 to 18, under the “Be RICEponsible Leadership Camp.”

The camp aimed to instill leadership principles and deepen participants’ understanding of the agricultural sector’s importance.

PhilRice science research specialist Lorelie Vee Domingo emphasized the camp’s goal of shaping the next generation of community leaders with an understanding of rice science and the value of being responsible in agriculture.

Participants took part in hands-on activities like rice planting, farm machine demonstrations, creating rice art and discussions on rice science.

Jo Manglicmot, one of the participants, expressed his appreciation for the learning environment at the RICEsPark.

“I now know the hardships of the farmers and have a greater appreciation for them. I also learned the cultural importance of agriculture for Filipinos,” said Prince Aj Avila of Linglingay Elementary School, reflecting on his experience at the camp.