PH rice information system nets global sustainability award

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Farmers plant rice seedlings in Sumapang Matanda, Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday (Sept. 14, 2023). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The country’s Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) has bagged the prestigious Special Award for Sustainability from the International Data Corporation Singapore (IDC), the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Saturday.

The recognition, formally announced at the Regional Future Enterprise Awards (FEA) on Nov. 19, 2024, was received by Director Glenn Dela Cruz Estrada on behalf of the DA.

PRiSM, developed in response to climate change challenges affecting Filipino farmers since 2013, is dubbed the “first satellite-based rice monitoring system in Southeast Asia.”

It is a data-driven tool that maps rice fields, predicts yields, and monitors droughts and floods.

In a statement on Saturday, the DA said it sees this achievement as a “stepping stone in further strengthening the Philippine rice value chain, ensuring a resilient and inclusive industry for future generations”.

“This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in securing the future of our rice farmers and the nation’s food supply,” Estrada said.

The system represents a collaborative effort among the DA, Philippine Rice Research Institute, and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), among other partners.

The PRiSM’s digital innovation empowers farmers and policymakers with real-time and accurate information to make informed decisions that improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and bolster national food security.

In the Philippines, IRRI said PRiSM has helped the DA monitor rice production and prepare for and mitigate the effects of disasters such as typhoons and El Niño on rice areas.

Dr. Alice Laborte, IRRI-PRiSM project leader and geospatial scientist, emphasized the importance of collaboration in PRISM’s success.

“This award is a testament to the strong partnership among IRRI, PhilRice, and our collaborators. With co-development, a shared commitment to long-term sustainability, and unwavering support from the Department of Agriculture, PRISM has become an operational success, delivering timely data on rice areas, yields, and damage assessments — critical information that supports informed decision-making,” she said.

The FEA, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, celebrates outstanding organizations in the Asia Pacific region that spearhead digital transformation initiatives.

Awardees are distinguished for their innovative technologies, which tackle significant challenges and promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across the region.