Rice Agriculture Farmers RCEF

More than 150,000 farmers in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley (Region 2) benefitted from certified inbred seeds given by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program this wet season.

“The program allocated almost 400,000 bags, which is enough for the rice farmers in CAR and Region 2. This allotment can be distributed anytime,” Engr. Leo C. Javier, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research (DA-PhilRice) in San Mateo, Isabela, branch director, said.

Through partnership with the local government unit, the station had accomplished over 100 percent of its target delivery in said regions amidst community quarantine.

“We strictly followed physical distancing and wearing of masks to help ensure a safe environment for the farmers receiving seeds,” Javier said.

Farmer-beneficiaries planted the certified inbred rice seeds, distributed at 20kg/bag, in almost 200,000 ha or 92 percent of the target area.

Implementers of RCEF-Seed Program also established  10 technology demonstration farms with 60 farmer-partners from both regions. Called PalaySikatan, the technology demonstration farms showcase regional varieties, one location-specific technology, and newly released inbred rice varieties. Machines such as walk-behind and riding-type mechanical transplanters are also introduced to reduce production cost.

Furthermore, more than 90,000 farmers received Gabay sa Makabagong Pagpapalayan leaflet, which contains information about modern farming while trainers and farm schools will receive PalayCheck System booklet and primer, respectively.

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.

Bureau of Plant Industry, DA-regional offices, provincial and municipal government units, seed grower associations, and policymakers assisted in program implementation in CAR and Region 2.

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.

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Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government corporate entity attached to the Department of Agriculture created through Executive Order 1061 on 5 November 1985 (as amended) to help develop high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

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Philippine Rice Research Institute