Fast-track rice programs, DA told

MANILA, Philippines — Programs aimed at boosting rice farmers’ productivity should be accelerated by government agencies, President Marcos said, as cited by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Marcos issued the directive at a recent meeting with DA and budget officials, Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said yesterday.

“The primary directive of the President is to immediately release the fund to our rice farmers,” De Mesa said.

The DA, he said, hopes the P10-billion budget allocated for the rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF) under the 2025 national budget will be released earlier than usual.

The agency will also cooperate with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) to accelerate the release of rice tariffs collected last year.

As per the extended RCEF, the earmarked fund now has a guaranteed allocation of P30 billion.

“We hope the remaining P20 billion will be given early so that we can bankroll other components (of RCEF), such as solar-powered irrigation and financial assistance,” De Mesa said.

The DA is coordinating with its regional field offices to quickly utilize the regular budget for its national rice program, he noted.

Earlier utilization of the budget and release of interventions will help farmers prepare for the next planting season, he said.

The move would also adjust their planting calendar to avoid destructive weather conditions during the harvest period, De Mesa said.

The DA is optimistic that domestic palay output this year will return to 20 million metric tons on the back of more favorable weather conditions and intensified government interventions.

Release of the P10-billion fund for the RCEF will be processed by the DBM as soon as the DA issues guidelines in accordance with Marcos’ veto message, Budget Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran told The STAR.

The P10-billion RCEF budget has been tagged as conditional implementation.

Republic Act 12078 extended the life of RCEF until 2031 and increased its annual appropriation to P30 billion from P10 billion.