Showing its commitment to Ilocano farmers, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Batac has achieved 100% delivery of certified inbred seeds under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for the 2024 wet season.
Over 82,000 bags of free certified inbred seeds were distributed to almost 46,000 Ilocos Region farmers, ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds for better yield.
PhilRice Batac also intensified its farmer support programs by disseminating rice production technologies through radio broadcasts, social media, videos, and printed materials. The station also ramped up capacity-building efforts, training agricultural extension workers, local farmer technicians, and farmer cooperatives on high-quality inbred rice and seeds, farm mechanization, and pest and nutrient management.
“These initiatives reflect our strong commitment to Ilocano farmers. By ensuring timely seed delivery and providing essential knowledge, we are helping farmers achieve higher yields and reduce production costs,” said Bethzaida M. Catudan, PhilRice Batac RCEF coordinator.
The RCEF Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allots P10 billion funds yearly for rice farmers. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program is a six-year government initiative to help farmers improve their competitiveness. PhilRice leads its implementation, in partnership with the local government units and lawmakers.
