Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute
RICE Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Seed and Extension Programs
Enacted on 14 February 2019, Republic Act (R.A.) 11203, otherwise known as the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), created the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) providing for a six-year appropriation of Php 10 billion per annum allocated to four (4) major programs, namely: Rice Farm Machineries and Equipment (Mechanization Program – 50%); Rice Seed Development, Propagation and Promotion (Seed Program – 30%); Expanded Rice Credit Assistance (ERCA Program – 10%); and Rice Extension Services Program (RESP – 10%). The RTL was promulgated to ensure food security and to make the country's agriculture sector viable, efficient and globally competitive.
Under R.A. 11203 Section 13b, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is mandated as the lead agency in the implementation of the RCEF Seed Program. Further, DA-PhilRice serves as a co-implementer of `the RCEF-RESP alongside the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Currently in its sixth implementation season, the RCEF Seed Program and PhilRice RESP component commenced in 2020 Dry Season (DS, Sep 16, 2019 – Mar 15, 2020) and is set to be implemented for six years (2019-2024). However, owing to the seasonality of rice production, it is expected to be completed by 2025 DS (Sep 16, 2024 - Mar 15, 2025).
Based on the Integrated Logical Framework, the overarching goal of RCEF centers on improving the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers and increasing their income. Toward this goal, the four components of RCEF converge and work together to jointly achieve the following outcomes:
1. Increase the farmers’ yield in target areas up to 5 tons/ha;
2. Reduce production cost of target beneficiaries by Php 3/kg;
3. Reduce postharvest losses by 3-5%; and
4. Increase rice value-adding income by 30%.
The RCEF Seed Program contributes mainly to the achievement of Outcome 1 (yield enhancement), particularly in Output 1.1. Higher Adoption of Certified Inbred Seeds. It also has indirect contributions to the other outcomes.
The RESP, on the other hand, also contributes to increasing farmers’ yield (Outcome 1) and reducing production cost (Outcome 2) by enhancing the adoption of integrated crop management technologies.
Promoting and distributing certified seeds of inbred rice varieties, Acquisition and distribution of certified seeds Technology demonstrations and field days (PalaySikatan) Mobilizing and strengthening local seed production Basic seed production, Support to seed production, Improvement of seed quality control services, Development of RCEF Seed Monitoring System Supporting variety development, National Cooperative Test, DNA profiling of Philippine-released varieties, Strengthening farmers organizations, Seed promotion through strategic communication, Strengthening farmer and seed grower associations Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies in rice production were also provided to the program's recipients through the communication support services project of the RCEF-Extension Program co-implemented by the DA-PhilRice.
