By Kenneth Marcos 
VICTORIA, TARLAC – With renewed hope and confidence, 28 rice farmers from Victoria completed a 12-day training under the SMART Farm Program, equipping them with modern techniques to manage pests and soil nutrients for better harvests and lower production costs.
“We should let go of outdated practices and move forward together using the technologies shared by our experts,” said graduate Alfredo F. Villacentino Jr., encouraging fellow farmers to embrace change.
The training focused on the PalayCheck System, a science-based rice farming guide developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). The system helps farmers make better decisions at each stage of rice production.
New Tools, Smarter Farming
One of the key lessons taught was the use of Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA), which helps farmers determine whether or not spraying is necessary—saving money and protecting the environment. Farmers also learned the “right EAT” approach to fertilization: using the right Element, Amount, and Timing of fertilizer for healthier crops and reduced expenses.
“This is how we secure more bountiful harvests—through hope, education, and teamwork,” said Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, Deputy Executive Director for Research at PhilRice, as he praised the dedication shown by the trainees.
More Support Coming Until 2028
The training was done in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Tarlac, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Victoria, and the Victoria Reduce Tillage Technology Association (VRTTA). Together, they aim to expand the use of the PalayCheck System in the municipality.
Farmers were also introduced to time-saving machines like the riding-type mechanical transplanter, which reduces labor during planting. Another tool featured was the MOET App, a mobile application that helps determine the right fertilizer formula based on soil condition.
To help ensure long-term results, the project includes a fertilizer lending scheme within the VRTTA. After every harvest, members will share a portion of their income equivalent to the value of the fertilizers used. This shared fund will support other members during the next planting season, promoting sustainability and community support.
Empowering Farmers for the Future
With climate change, rising costs, and limited labor becoming constant challenges in agriculture, programs like SMART Farm offer farmers practical and science-backed solutions. The goal is not only to increase yields but also to build stronger, more resilient farming communities.
By adopting the PalayCheck System and other smart technologies, farmers in Victoria are planting more than just rice—they are sowing the seeds of progress.
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