Over 200,000 farmers received certified inbred rice seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program just in time for the scheduled planting in Region 2 and in the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
More than 100% of the seed delivery targets were achieved through the partnership among the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice); provincial, municipal, and city local government units (LGUs); lawmakers; DA regional offices; and seed cooperatives.
Dumon Mabborang of Cagayan Seed Growers Multipurpose Cooperative said cooperatives ensured that seed requirements are of high-quality, which underwent rigid certification from the National Seed Quality Control Services.
“Only certified inbred seeds are delivered for the program beneficiaries. We also ensure that coop members follow the delivery protocol and that members who have difficulties adhering to our good practices are sanctioned,” Mabborang said.
Seeds from cooperatives are inspected for quality and quantity before deliveries in the LGUs’ distribution hubs.
The RCEF-Seed Program – a component of the Rice Tariffication Law, allocates P3 billion fund every year for the seed requirements of rice farmers and to help farmers produce rice that can compete in the international 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.
