LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — A comprehensive and nationwide endline evaluation led by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has validated the positive impact of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) on rice farmers.
The program, implemented by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), has significantly improved rice farm productivity and profitability, benefiting over 300,000 farmers, trainers, and extension intermediaries across 57 priority rice-producing provinces.
SEARCA presented the findings of the project titled "Reaping the Benefits: Evaluation of RCEF-RESP 2019-2024" during the Keeping on Track: ATI's Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual Performance Review and FY 2026 Commitment Signing on Jan. 27, 2026, at The Hive Hotel and Convention Place.
Led by Project Team Leader Ernesto Brown, the study evaluated the program's impact following the enactment of Republic Act 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law. The event was attended by representatives from all Regional ATI Training Centers and ATI Central Office officials, including engineer Remelyn Recoter, the agency's director, and Milagros Urbano, Chief Policy and Planning Division.
The evaluation revealed that RCEF-RESP has played a crucial role in promoting science-based rice production practices, including the utilization of certified inbred seeds, enhanced crop establishment and nutrient management, effective pest and disease control, and mechanization-related skills. The program's learning sites for agriculture (LSAs) and farmer field schools (FFS) have played key roles in hands-on learning and local technology adaptation.
The evaluation also highlighted the program's success in strengthening local extension systems by developing LSAs, enhancing the training of extension intermediaries, and improving coordination among government agencies, local government units, and organizations such as ATI, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. This led to higher adoption rates of improved rice production practices among beneficiaries, resulting in increased productivity and income for farmers.
Brown said RCEF-RESP is a relevant and effective public investment.
"The program's impact on farmer productivity, income, and food security underscores the power of evidence-based decision-making and collaborative efforts in driving agricultural development," he added.
The evaluation recommends strengthening post-training support, harmonizing monitoring systems across agencies, clarifying inter-agency roles, and improving convergence with credit, insurance, mechanization, and market support to sustain and expand program gains.
For its part, SEARCA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based decision-making for sustainable agricultural and rural development in the Philippines.
The RCEF-RESP's success aligns with SEARCA's goals of fostering climate resilience and empowering agricultural stakeholders. By demonstrating how interventions can directly improve farmer productivity and income, the evaluation provides a foundation for scaling these gains and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines.
SEARCA's evaluation of RCEF-RESP highlights the program's impact and demonstrates the effectiveness of using evidence-based decision-making to drive agricultural development forward.