The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program is ensuring the supply of certified inbred rice seeds in Region VI by training field workers.The recent three-day training implemented by DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Negros Occidental, covered essential practices, including field inspections, hands-on exercises, and in-depth discussions on the PalayCheck System. The Bureau of Plant Industry provided sessions on seed certification policies and quality assurance, ensuring participants are well-versed in producing top-tier seeds. By equipping farm workers with updated knowledge on recommended rice farming practices, the program aims to improve the overall quality and efficiency of seed production operations, empowering laborers as key contributors to the region’s seed production.Participants like 44-year-old field worker Yolanda Etin from Aklan found the training useful. Attending alongside her husband, she has worked with seed grower Ginon Ortega for seven years. “The training was an eye-opener. I’m proud to contribute to providing seeds for farmers. I learned that 40kg of seeds is enough for one hectare, and I also gained valuable insights into better fertilizer application and pesticide use,” she said.Aklan seed grower Lilli Ann Lachina praised training implementers for significantly streamlining the management of her 3-ha seed production farm after sending two of her workers to the program. “One thing I truly appreciated was the inclusion of values formation in the module. It helped strengthen our teamwork. Now, my workers not only understand what needs to be done but also why it’s important,” Lachina said.To date, PhilRice has successfully trained 52 field workers and plans to expand its reach to other areas in the future.