Abstract
Despite sustained government efforts to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the Philippines, inadequate production continues to challenge national food security. In response, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the United Nations–Food and Agriculture Organization (UN–FAO) introduced the Palay Check System. This comprehensive framework promotes best practices to enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. This study investigated the adoption levels of Palay Check technologies among rice farmers in Baybay City, Leyte, and examined how selected demographic profiles influenced adoption outcomes. Quantitative data were gathered through structured interviews with 185 randomly selected farmers using a validated interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, and frequency analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results revealed that Harvest Management (89.19%) and Seed Quality (77.3%) had the highest adoption rates, with most farmers reaching the final stage of Rogers’ Five-Level Adoption Process. In contrast, Land Preparation (40.49%) and Pest Management (46.49%) showed lower adoption rates, with many respondents remaining at the awareness stage. Technologies such as Crop Establishment, Nutrient Management, and Water Management are clustered in the evaluation and trial stages, indicating partial implementation. Statistical tests showed that sex was significantly associated with the adoption of Seed Quality (x2 = 9.73) and Crop Establishment (x2 = 4.98), while educational attainment (x2 = 6.37) and tenure status (x2 = 8.12) were linked to Nutrient Management. Income and farm size were positively correlated with the adoption of Seed Quality, Crop Establishment, and Pest Management. Farmers identified financial difficulty (n = 137) and insufficient water supply (n = 83) as significant barriers. Suggested solutions included irrigation projects (n = 31) and increased availability of organic inputs (n = 30). These findings underscore the need for inclusive, resource-sensitive interventions to support sustainable technology adoption.
