Farmer-beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) will share their experiences as it reaches its fourth year during the Lakbay Palay of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), March 29-30.
To be conducted at Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the two-day event will host the gathering of more than a thousand rice growers who will either learn more or answer the activity’s theme, “RCEF, ano na?”
Since 2019, RCEF has reached farmers nationwide through its four programs: seeds, extension, mechanization, and credit.
Records show that more than 11 million sacks (containing 20kg each) of certified inbred rice seeds were distributed to the rice farmers who have received the provision four to six times over the past four years.
On the other hand, around 5 million rice-related information were extended and disseminated while about 200,000 farmers and extension workers were trained under its Extension Program.
More than 20,000 farm machines such as hand tractors, precision seeders, reapers, mobile grain dryers, and mobile rice mills were also awarded to farmers and cooperatives.
RCEF also provided more than PhP3B in loans to farmers and farmer-cooperatives to support their agricultural ventures with minimal interest.
A ceremonial awarding of financial assistance and distribution of certified inbred seed will also be held.
