Western Philippines University (WPU) conducted a five-day training program titled “Inbred Seed Production and Rice Seed Growers Certification” at its Training Center in Aborlan, Palawan, on July 21 to 25, 2025.
The initiative aimed to bolster local rice seed production and empower farmers to meet the province’s agricultural demands.
Thirty-five aspiring rice seed growers from ten municipalities across Palawan completed the rigorous certification program. The training equipped participants with essential skills and knowledge to produce high-quality inbred rice seeds, addressing the province’s chronic seed shortage.
During the closing ceremony, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Romeo Cabungcal highlighted the critical need for the program, noting that Palawan’s rice seed supply falls short of farmers’ needs, forcing reliance on imports from provinces like Nueva Ecija and Mindoro.
He commended WPU for its proactive role in tackling this challenge, calling the training a vital step toward agricultural self-sufficiency.
The event was a collaborative effort, organized by WPU’s Extension Services Office, Business Affairs Office, and the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences, in partnership with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-MIMAROPA), and the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS) Palawan.
Expert resource persons, including Susan Brena, Chief SRS at DA-PhilRice Negros; Dr. Andres Dela Cruz, Jr., Head of RCEF-FOMD at DA-PhilRice; Marilyn Gonda, Training Specialist at DA-ATI MIMAROPA, and Vin Feterson Tabujara of BPI-NSQCS-Palawan served as facilitators, delivering hands-on instruction and sharing techniques in seed production and inspection.
The initiative is a significant step in strengthening Palawan’s agricultural sector, fostering sustainable farming practices, and empowering local farmers to contribute to the province’s food security.
