By Kenneth Marcos 
The air buzzed with excitement as over 50 rice cooperatives gathered at the 37th Ugnay Palay National Rice R4D Conference on November 25. For many farmers, this event marks a turning point in how they grow, market, and sell rice across the Philippines.
The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) officially launched the RiceBIS Magsasaka Network (RMN), a nationwide 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 connecting them to higher-value markets that offer better income opportunities.
The RMN unites farmer cooperatives under one brand, giving consumers a clear RMN seal to identify rice and rice-based products that are high-quality, safe, and locally produced. “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.
During the launch, representatives from cooperatives such as Pinagbuklod na Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative, Zaragoza People’s Agriculture Cooperative, Batitang Agriculture Cooperative, and others pledged their support for the network. Farmers shared how RiceBIS support has transformed their livelihoods. Aileen T. Galanta of Esperanza RiceBIS Producers Cooperative in Agusan del Sur said their earnings grew from five to six digits as their cooperative now delivers around 20,000 bags of certified inbred seeds per cropping. Cresencio Tomas of Zanjera Sto. Niño Agriculture Cooperative in Ilocos Norte reported income growth from a few thousand pesos to over one hundred thousand pesos.
The initiative also gained backing from institutional buyers such as AGREA Agricultural Systems International, corporate partners like Megaworld Corporation, and organizations including Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District. Technical and promotional support comes from PhilRice, the Department of Agriculture, and the Nutriskwela Radio Broadcasters Association Inc.
The event featured a ceremonial handover of RiceBIS products, including PhilGAP-certified rice, pigmented rice, rice brew, brown rice krispies, rice kropek, and glutinous rice. The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement formalized partners’ commitment to the network.
The launch also kicked off the “I Love Pilipinong Magsasaka” campaign, urging the public to buy RMN products. “Each purchase supports farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring safe and high-quality rice for Filipino families,” said Dr. Hazel V. Antonio, lead of the RiceBIS Marketing Project.
RiceBIS 2.0 has already helped 53 farmers’ cooperatives access over PHP140 million in support, including cash grants, transportation, facilities, and machinery, and has increased farmers’ income by more than PHP30 million. Through RMN, PhilRice hopes to further strengthen farmer cooperatives and secure sustainable growth in the rice industry.
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