The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program continues to provide support to rice farmers in Southern Leyte, providing access to certified inbred seeds, farm machinery, and training aimed at improving efficiency and productivity.
In Brgy. Catmon, St. Bernard, farmer Catalino M. Lacerna, 58, said the assistance he received under the program helped reduce labor requirements during land preparation and planting.
“The program introduced us to machines like the walk-behind transplanter, and we’ve been using high-quality seeds and better crop management practices,” Lacerna said, referring to the interventions introduced through PalaySikatan 2.0, a technology demonstration initiative under RCEF.
PalaySikatan 2.0 operates a 50-ha demo site that features high-yielding, pest-resistant rice varieties and science-based farming practices tailored to local conditions. Farmers participating in the initiative are exposed to practical, field-based learning on improved rice production methods.
Implemented through the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the RCEF Seed Program is part of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law. The law mandates the allocation of PhP10 billion annually from rice tariff collections to fund interventions that enhance the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers.
Now in its sixth year, the RCEF Seed Program is being implemented nationwide in partnership with local government units and lawmakers, with the goal of helping farmers boost yield and reduce production costs through access to quality inputs and training.
