The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF RESP) will distribute information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to 35,000 farmers in four provinces this dry season.
Technology calendar, handouts on rice farming-related mobile apps, and brochure on direct-seeded rice production, will be given to farmers in Northern and Eastern Samar, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes.
To be distributed along with the free certified inbred seeds from the RCEF Seed Program and the Department of Agriculture (DA)-National Rice Program, the IEC materials are designed to provide farmers with relevant and timely information on rice production technologies, best practices, and success stories of RCEF beneficiaries.
These also contain QR codes that link to online resources such as videos, e-books, and mobile applications.
The RCEF RESP also conducted provincial seed distribution kickoffs and program briefings in collaboration with implementing agencies such as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to reach more farmers and extension intermediaries.
RESP is one of the four components of the RCEF, which is funded by a P10-billion annual appropriation from the tariff revenues of rice imports. The other components are farm machinery and equipment, rice seed development, propagation and promotion, and expanded rice credit assistance.
