The Philippines
Novemer 27, 2025
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The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) has launched the RiceBIS Magsasaka Network (RMN), a national initiative designed to empower rice farmers and strengthen farmer-led enterprises.
Part of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) 2.0, the program aims to transform farmers into agripreneurs while linking them to value-added markets that offer higher incomes.
Launched during the 37th Ugnay Palay National Rice R4D Conference on Nov. 25, the RMN brings together over 50 farmer cooperatives under a single, unified brand. A key goal of the network is to assure consumers that the rice and rice-based products they purchase are high-quality, locally produced, and safe. Through this initiative, consumers can confidently support local farmers while enjoying products that meet rigorous quality standards.
“By uniting farmer cooperatives under one umbrella, the RMN gives consumers a clear mark of quality—the RMN seal—so they can easily identify rice that is locally sourced and certified safe. This initiative not only helps farmers increase their yields but also connects them to markets that value healthy, premium rice products,” said Dr. Diadem B. Gonzales-Esmero, RiceBIS Program leader.
The launch featured a collective pledge to support RMN, highlighting the central role of farmer cooperatives as the main actors of the initiative. They were represented at the event by cooperatives such as the Pinagbuklod na Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative, Zaragoza People’s Agriculture Cooperative, Batitang Agriculture Cooperative, Sintorisan-Behia SWISA Farmers Association, Marasat-Dagupan Rice Business Innovations System (BIS) Agriculture Cooperative, and Rayuray Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.
Farmers also shared how their cooperatives’ incomes have grown through RiceBIS support. Aileen T. Galanta of the Esperanza RiceBIS Producers Cooperative in Agusan del Sur said their earnings increased from five to six digits, as the group now delivers around 20,000 bags of certified inbred seeds every cropping. Similarly, Cresencio Tomas of the Zanjera Sto. Niño Agriculture Cooperative in Ilocos Norte reported that their cooperative, which once earned barely a thousand pesos, now generates over one hundred thousand pesos.
Supporters of the network included institutional buyers such as AGREA Agricultural Systems International, corporate partners like Megaworld Corporation, and organizations such as Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District. Complementing them were program supporters—including PhilRice, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Nutriskwela Radio Broadcasters Association Inc.—who provide technical, institutional, and promotional support to strengthen the network.
A ceremonial handover of RiceBIS products was conducted during the event, with partners receiving samples to showcase and promote offerings such as the PhilGAP-certified (GAPproved) rice, pigmented rice, rice brew, brown rice krispies, rice kropek, and glutinous rice. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also formally signed on the same day, marking the official commitment of partners to support the network.
The event concluded with the launch of the “I Love Pilipinong Magsasaka” campaign, encouraging the public to purchase RMN products. “Each purchase is more than just a transaction—it’s a step toward securing safe, healthy, and high-quality rice for families while supporting the sustainability of the country’s rice industry and helping farmers increase their income,” explained Dr. Hazel V. Antonio, lead of the RiceBIS Marketing Project.
RiceBIS 2.0 is one of PhilRice’s flagship programs, having assisted 53 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCA) in accessing over PhP140 million in support, including cash grants, transportation, facilities, and machinery. The program has also helped increase farmers’ income by more than PhP30 million.
“Through the RMN, we aim to further support farmers’ cooperatives and make it easier for them to promote their products, helping drive sustained income growth. We hope that consumers will support this initiative—not only for their own health and safety, but also for the long-term benefit of farmers and the sustainability of rice farming in the Philippines,” Esmero concluded.
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