MANILA, Philippines — Farmers will now slowly benefit from the liberalization of the rice industry as the government released P2.46 billion as part of the tariffication fund, according to the Department of Agriculture. The DA said the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) is in the process of releasing P2.462 billion for two of its component programs. A farmer will receive a maximum of 80 kilograms of certified inbred rice seeds for two consecutive seasons depending on the size of the farm. The DBP also signed a memorandum of agreement with Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Isabela Agricultural Cooperative and PayMaya Inc. to provide financial services to rice farmers through e-wallet cards. The government has created the DA-led National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) to ensure integration of RCEF program components and complementation with the National Rice Program.

Source: Philippine Star September 29, 2019 15:37 UTC