Amid a year marked by challenges, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the role of science and technology in sustaining the country’s rice sector during the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva Ecija, Dec. 3-5.Describing the year’s challenges as “perfect storm,” the secretary said that despite the high production costs, droughts, floods, and disruptions in the value chain that tested the sector, the agriculture sector contributed to a 1.9% decline in inflation in September.“While we experience El Niño and La Niña, science and technology serve as lifelines for our farmers. They empower them to adapt to unpredictable weather, grow crops despite the odds, and secure their harvests. Every farmer’s success is a story of hope fueled by practical innovations—an irrigation system that saves crops, or a rice variety that withstands drought and flood,” he said.He further said that the sector’s vision for a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” can only be achieved if the sector works as one.“Let us strengthen our extension systems, farmer cooperatives, and partnerships with local governments to make these advancements accessible to all. At the same time, let us forge stronger collaborations with the private sector to fast-track the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions. Our vision for a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” can only be achieved if we work as one—if we share our knowledge, resources, data, and efforts for the greater good,” he urged the more than 700 onsite attendees.The secretary also commended PhilRice for its commitment to supporting rice farmers and bridging the gap between science and practice. “Your dedication to research and your support for farmers have significantly improved their lives,” he said.Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, has also reaffirmed PhilRice’s contribution in supporting the rice farmers during the recent Senate Session No. 29.She clarified the roles of key institutions in Philippine agriculture, stressing that while the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) contributes to global rice research, PhilRice is the government agency specifically focused on advancing the country’s rice sector.“Our agency directly supporting the Philippine rice sector is PhilRice. It’s performing well and continues to improve. IRRI focuses on global agricultural priorities,” she said.With the theme “Advancing Rice R4DE para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the three-day conference featured posters, exhibits, and presentations highlighting cutting-edge rice R4D innovations.