The Philippine Department of Agriculture has collected 300 heirloom rice varieties from indigenous communities in Palawan as part of a preservation initiative started in 2025. Laboratory analysis by the Philippine Rice Research Institute confirmed that more than 180 of these samples are distinct original strains. Officials highlighted the natural resilience and pest resistance of these traditional crops, which stand in contrast to modern hybrid varieties that face higher vulnerability to pests. Once studied and safeguarded, pest-resistant varieties will be redistributed to local indigenous farmers for continued cultivation. The effort is integrated into the government's 4K development program, which provides ancestral domain farmers with production tools, seeds, livestock, and technical training to support sustainable agricultural livelihoods.
Source : Inquirer
Photo : Inquirer
