IN a milestone that underscores the country’s strides in agricultural innovation, the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) has garnered international recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
This satellite-based system, a brainchild of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in collaboration with key partners, is transforming how the government monitors and manages rice production, the staple food of the Philippines.
Developed as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, PRiSM harnesses the power of satellite data, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), crop modeling technologies, and ICT tools to provide real-time insights into rice cultivation.
It was developed in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Department of Agriculture (DA)-National Rice Program, DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, DA Regional Offices, Sarmap SA, and local government units.
From estimating yields and detecting production losses due to floods or droughts to tracking pest outbreaks and identifying rice varieties planted, PRiSM equips policymakers and agriculturists with evidence-based data to make informed decisions. Its impact is tangible: more accurate projections of monthly supply outlooks and smarter interventions to safeguard palay production.
The recognition came during the FAO Global Technical Recognition Ceremony on Oct. 15, 2025, as part of the World Food Forum, celebrating FAO’s 80th anniversary.
Out of nearly 300 nominations worldwide, PhilRice was one of 39 institutions honored across six categories for its innovative contribution to sustainable plant production and protection — a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to agricultural innovation.
“These entities are helping farmers produce more with less, which is essential to meeting today’s needs and those of future generations,” said Yurdi Yasmi, director of FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division, highlighting the global relevance of PRiSM’s work.
For Dr. John De Leon, executive director of PhilRice, the award is a shared triumph. “We dedicate this honor to IRRI, DA, and our partners for their unwavering collaboration. PRiSM’s growth reflects a commitment beyond technology — it supports transforming our rice systems into sustainable, resilient practices. Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas! Mabuhay!”
The FAO’s recognition spanned five critical domains, from crop germplasm management to technology transformation, positioning PRiSM as a model for other nations.
As Chikelu Mba, FAO deputy director of Plant Production and Protection, noted, the ceremony aimed to spotlight “successful models and practices that can be replicated for greater global impact.”
For the Philippines, PRiSM is more than a technological feat — it’s a tool for food security, empowering farmers and shaping a future where rice production meets the challenges of climate change and growing demand.
With this global nod, the country cements its role as a leader in sustainable agriculture, proving innovation can indeed sow seeds for a more resilient world.
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