As part of the national government’s continuing support to Bicolano farmers, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. led the distribution of more than P75.03 million (M) worth of financial aid and farm equipment in Pili, Camarines Sur on April 12, 2024.
This includes P10.64-million financial aid under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Rice Farmers Financial Assistance to benefit 2,128 rice farmers from the municipalities of Gainza, Mialor, Bombon, Camaligan, Magarao, Naga City and Pili.
Each rice farmer will receive P5,000 from the Rice Fund as temporary relief and compensation for the projected reduction in farm income due to the Rice Tariffication Law, which will end this year. Rice farmers cultivating two hectares or less are qualified to receive direct cash assistance.
In addition, DA and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization awarded 28 units of 4WD tractors worth P64.4 M as part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Mechanization Component.
The farm equipment aims to enhance farmers’ productivity, thereby increasing production and income of Filipino farmers.
“Just recently, inilatag ko ang 4-year plan para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.
To attain the national government’s goal towards food security and developed farm and fishery sectors, the agri chief stressed that the DA will provide other interventions like fertilizer discount vouchers and technical assistance.
“We aim to meet these objectives by expanding and improving our available agri-fishery areas for increased production. We will also mechanize and modernize agri-fishery production systems,” he said.
Sec. Tiu Laurel added that the national government will improve post-harvest systems and infrastructure, and develop efficient logistics systems.
“We will expand local and international market access. Isusulong din natin ang digitalization. Palalakasin natin ang existing financial mechanisms that encourage investments and minimize risks. Sabay sabay po tayong aasenso, at kakamtin ang masaganang ani at mataas na kita para sa masagang bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
The distribution of DA farm assistance was witnessed by local government officials led by Camarines Sur Gov. Luigi Villafuerte, Rep. LRay Villafuerte, and DA Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla. ### (Adora D. Rodriguez, DA-AFID)
