With strict adherence to the principles of the System of Rice Intensification, farmer-cooperators in Tanauan, Leyte, recorded a 49.85% increase in rice produce and 23.47% reduction in production cost. This favorable result was announced during the Farmer Field Forum held at Brgy. Picas, Tanauan, Leyte, on October 2, 2025.

In an interview, Debbie J. Ortega, SRI Project Leader, stated that SRI hits two birds with one stone: (1) enhance rice productivity, and (2) reduce production cost through scaling-up of rice technology and effective and eco-friendly farming practices. “SRI also promotes soil health through balanced fertilization or the incorporation of organic fertilizer,” she underscored.

Based on the initial data presented by Ms. Ortega, farmer-cooperators’ average net return prior to the application of SRI principles is 7,922.67 per hectare. After SRI, it ballooned to 41,303.69 per hectare. In terms of production cost, prior to SRI, farmer-cooperators incur a total cost of 40,116 per hectare. After SRI, it dropped to 30,703.

This quantitative information is underpinned by qualitative data. In her testimony, Ms. Delia L. Felizmena, a farmer-cooperator of the SRI Project in Abuyog, Leyte, ascertained the advantages of SRI. “Atong i-adapt ini pamaagi, kay bisag gamay ang imo area, dako an imo kita,” she said. [Let us adapt this scientifically driven strategy in rice farming because increased gains are possible despite limited area.

The abovementioned activity commenced with a Farmer’s Field Walk wherein delegates, through the narratives of farmer-cooperators, were introduced to best farming practices in consonance with the SRI Principles.

The total area of the demonstration site covered 5 hectares with 6 farmer-cooperators. The abovementioned data is based only on the 3 farmer cooperators since the remaining 3 have yet to commence their crop-cutting.

Towards the end of the program, the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and Pledge of Commitment of the 7 pilot municipalities (Palo, Tanauan, Basey, Abuyog, Dulag, Alang-Alang, and Tabon-tabon) of the SRI Project in the region happened.

DA RFO 8 Research Division is eyeing expansion of the SRI project to two more municipalities—Sta. Fe and Carigara, Leyte.

SRI (System of Rice Intensification) principles in rice farming involve using young, healthy seedlings (8-10 days old) transplanted singly with wide spacing (25x 25cm planting distance) keeping the soil aerated and improving it with organic matter, managing water through alternating wet and dry periods, use of mechanical and manual rotary weeder for weed management, and reducing plant competition to promote healthier, more productive plants with higher yields and less water use.