Delegates from the People’s Republic of China visited the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija for possible partnership towards agriculture development, February 02.

They were personally welcomed by the Assistant Secretary for Planning, Project Development and Special Concerns Lerey Panes, DA RFO 3 Regional Executive Director Engr. Roy Abaya, PhilRice Executive Director Sailila Abdula and DA RFO 3 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extensions Crispulo Bautista, Jr.

PhilRice Director Abdula discussed the country’s rice program, hybrid production and commercialization.
The visitors were Dr. Changxiang Mao Chief Expert of Agricultural Project of Air Farmer Co., Ltd., Ms. Xiao Langmu, Founder and Director of Air Farmer Co., Ltd., and Ms. Roman, Sales Assistant.

Langmu introduced “tidy rice” a weed-resistant technology that may be beneficial for Filipino farmers.
“We are open for possible collaborations. I will ask my staffs to construct a memorandum of agreement and come-up with the terms of reference.” Abdula affirms

“We are positive about this possible partnership and we are hopeful that everything will go smoothly.” said Dr. Mao
Meanwhile, the delegates were toured at the National Cooperative Tests (NCT) Hybrids Trial Areas and interviewed farmers engaged on hybrid rice commercial production at themarketingheaven
.

The activity was hosted by the Department of Agriculture Central Luzon in cooperation with the Philippine Rice Research Institute.###

Ozanne Ono Allas
Information Officer II