
Farmers and seed growers are pushing for the continuation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, set to end after the 2025 cropping season, citing its role in boosting yields and lowering production costs.
Since its launch, RCEF has improved rice yields by ensuring access to quality seeds, training, and modern machinery. However, as the program’s initial six-year phase nears completion, stakeholders stress the need to sustain its benefits to maintain the country’s rice competitiveness.
“The program strengthened our cooperative, secured a market for our seeds, and helped improve seed quality,” said Servino B. Hitalia, chair of the Davao Multi-Purpose Seed Producers Cooperative (DAMSEPCO).
Farmers echoed similar sentiments. Maylene Tiodianco of Bislig City recalled struggling to find high-quality seeds before RCEF while Sol Magtuba Castillano of Misamis Occidental reported a 10% yield increase with NSIC Rc 222, highlighting its pest resistance and performance.
RCEF also introduced Binhi E-Padala, a digital system ensuring efficient seed delivery.
Florifen Reyes, a farmer from Cateel, Davao Oriental, commended RCEF’s seed distribution system though Binhi E-Padala and the manual distribution. He also valued the seed sack labels that provided proper seed-handling instructions.
The RCEF Seed Program also has expanded its technology demonstration project in the 2024 wet season, which aims to showcase recommended inbred varieties and modern farming technologies across selected areas in the country.
PalaySikatan 2.0 showcases rice fields covering 50ha/site in 25 locations nationwide each season.