VSU, PhilRice join forces to revive and innovate rice-based products in Leyte

Under the agreement, PhilRice, through its Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division will provide funding to support the project entitled “Revisiting Rice-Based Products in Leyte: In-depth Inventory and Profiling.” 

VSU, through its Department of Business and Management (VSU-DBM), will lead the implementation of the study by conducting field research, profiling traditional and contemporary rice-based products, and analyzing consumer demand.

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The initiative is part of PhilRice’s larger program called “Food Product Development and Innovation from Rice and Other Crops (TRC-100-000),” which seeks to diversify rice utilization and enhance its market potential. This project benefits from the university’s expertise in agribusiness, research capacity, and extension work in food and processing technologies.

PhilRice’s role includes reviewing proposals, providing technical guidance, and monitoring progress. VSU-DBM will handle the research design, field execution, and reporting requirements, which include periodic progress reports and a publishable final study.

The agreement will run until July 31, 2026, aligning with PhilRice’s nationwide thrust to develop and promote innovative food products from rice. For Leyte, this study is expected to expand livelihood prospects, enrich local food culture, and create pathways for agribusiness ventures linked to rice-based products.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.