Additional rice hectarage is ensured in the Cordillera Autonomous Region with the inclusion of Abra in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program.
According to Rhey Mark S. Credo, project development officer based in Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Isabela, more than 2,000 ha in Abra will be planted with certified inbred seeds.
More than 2,000 municipalities in Bangued, Bucay, Dolores, La Paz, Langangilang, Manabo, Tayum, and Sallapadan are covered by the program.
Credo said the areas were prioritized because of their ability to accommodate other RCEF components such as machinery, credit, and training program.
The RCEF-Seed Program, which is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, allots P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program is a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the international rice market. The local government units and lawmakers assist in its implementation.
PhilRice leads the RCEF-Seed Program and is the government’s lead agency on rice research and development mandated to help ensure a rice-secure Philippines. With eight stations across the country, its programs and projects are in line with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita” battlecry. For more information about the Institute’s program, queries can be sent thru PhilRice Text Center (0917 111 7423) or email prri.mail@philrice.gov.ph.
