Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), in collaboration with the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), conducted a Farmers’ Seminar on March 24, 2025, at the Farmers’ Training Center (FTC), BASC, Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan. This initiative is part of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-funded project, “𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻”, which aims to introduce modern, water-efficient rice farming techniques to 50 participating farmers from various Barangays in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

The opening ceremony is led by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗔. 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗼-𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮, who facilitates the prayer and national anthem. This is followed by a welcome message from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗜𝗺𝗲𝗲 𝗗. 𝗘𝘀𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮, the BASC Extension Services Director. An inspirational message and training overview are delivered by 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮, the representative from Municipality of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, who emphasizes the importance of collaboration in agricultural development. 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘. 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮, the Project Leader, introduces the Dry Direct-Seeded Rice (DDSR) System project, highlighting its benefits and practical applications.

The resource speakers, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗤. 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮 discusses the selection of drought-tolerant rice varieties, focusing on their adaptability to DDSR System, while 𝗠𝘀. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗹𝗹 𝗖. 𝗗𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻 explains land preparation and crop establishment methods, followed by an in-depth discussion on weed management strategies for DDSR. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮 then provides insights into nutrient management, discussing sustainable fertilization techniques to enhance soil health and crop yield.

The training continues with in-depth discussions, as 𝗠𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘂𝗺𝗼 addresses key challenges in insect and pest control, providing farmers with strategies to mitigate crop damage. Meanwhile, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗔. 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗼-𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮 explains effective water management techniques, focusing on optimizing irrigation practices to ensure sustainable and efficient rice production.

The ongoing training focuses on the Enhanced Dry Direct-Seeded Rice System (eDDSRS), an innovative rice production method that eliminates the need for transplanting and continuous flooding. This system optimizes rice yield while reducing water usage and labor costs. Farmers will also gain insights into integrated pest management and sustainable farming practices to improve their crop resilience and profitability. This training aims to enhance their skills, increase rice production efficiency, and contribute to national food security.