The Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) has earned the prestigious Special Award for Sustainability at the Regional Future Enterprise Awards (FEA) held on November 19, 2024, in Singapore. The award was presented by the International Data Corporation Singapore (IDC) to Director Glenn Dela Cruz Estrada of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Launched in 2013, PRiSM is Southeast Asia’s first satellite-based rice monitoring system, developed to address the challenges posed by climate change on Filipino farmers. The system’s data-driven approach enables the mapping of rice fields, the prediction of crop yields, and the monitoring of environmental conditions like droughts and floods. PRiSM is the result of a collaborative effort among the DA, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), along with other key partners. The system empowers farmers and policymakers with real-time, accurate data to improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and support national food security efforts.
PRiSM’s impact has been especially significant in helping the DA monitor rice production and prepare for and mitigate the effects of natural disasters like typhoons and El Niño, as noted by IRRI. Dr. Alice Laborte, IRRI-PRiSM Project Leader, emphasized that the success of PRiSM is a direct result of the strong partnerships and shared commitment to long-term sustainability.
The FEA, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, recognizes organizations leading digital transformation in the Asia Pacific region. Awardees are celebrated for their innovative technologies that address pressing challenges while promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.