This Week’s Milestones: Nov. 3 – 9, 2019

Nov. 5, 1985

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) was created through Executive Order No. 1061 signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos.

PhilRice was tasked with developing a national rice research program that would boost rice production, improve the income of small rice farmers and expand employment opportunities in rural areas.

According to the EO, its functions include doing research on farm mechanization, postharvest engineering, farming systems and conducting training programs.

Its headquarters was originally located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus, but was later moved to Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija.

The PhilRice developed at least 22 rice varieties, according to the agency’s 2018 report.

Nov. 6, 2002

Museo It Akean, Aklan province’s repository of its cultural heritage, was reopened after more than a decade. Located in the capital town of Kalibo, the museum houses rare 17th and 18th century Chinese pottery, costumes of the Ati tribes, fishing implements, rice grinder, tools and artifacts from the Spanish era and Aklan’s famous piña textiles. The museum was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in July 1980. The roof of the building collapsed and the whole structure was condemned as unsafe. Restoration efforts were led by Archbishop Gabriel Reyes Memorial Foundation Inc.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research