Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – The Department of Agriculture (DA), thru its Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and a Japanese company aim to construct a new laboratory for the research of climate-smart farming.

PhilRice and Faeger Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the said construction of the research laboratory at the DA PhilRice’s Central Experiment Station in Barangay Maligaya on July 31, 2025.

PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Research Dr. Eduardo Jimmy Quilang, Executive Director Dr. John de Leon, Faeger Co., Ltd. Director Kazuki Sakamoto, and Faeger Co., Ltd. Project Coordinator Rachelle S. Martin signed the MOA.

The proposed laboratory aims to conduct research for the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a method of controlled irrigation wherein the soil is left to dry for a few days before being watered again.

Included in the project is the construction of a Gas Chromatography Laboratory at the PhilRice that will become part of the Centralized Laboratory Management System of the institution. Thru the said laboratory, the Philippines will have the capacity to fully check and measure the greenhouse gases and other data on the climate here.

The project aims to collect scientific data that will help AWD in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and efficiently use water in farming. This will also help PhilRice and Faeger in spreading AWD in selected agricultural areas.