Aquino designates new PhilRice head

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija, Philippines – President Aquino has appointed a former dean and plant breeder – who authored the first-ever general education course on plant biotechnology in the country – as the new executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).  

Dr. Eufemio Rasco Jr. replaced lawyer Ronilo Beronio in turnover ceremonies yesterday at the institute’s central experiment station here.

Rasco’s appointment papers were signed by Aquino last July 4. He took his oath before Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on July 13.

Rasco said Alcala directed him to ensure PhilRice’s strong support to the Aquino administration’s goal of rice self-sufficiency by 2013, particularly in the supply of high-quality seeds and in developing and adapting technologies for upland rice farming.

PhilRice is a government-owned and controlled corporation that aims to develop high-yielding, cost-reducing and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

A former dean and professor of UP-Mindanao, Rasco comes to PhilRice with impressive credentials. He is a magna cum laude graduate in agriculture of the UP Los Baños and holds a doctorate degree in plant breeding at the Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

He is a recipient of awards from the National Academy of Science and Technology and the Philippine Jaycees for his contributions to plant breeding and agricultural education.