LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Cash-strapped rice farmers of Ifugao are seen to benefit from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is being pushed in the province by the Provincial Agricultural, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO), headed by Domingo Mariano.
Launched by the government, the RCEF will promote farm productivity. Specifically, it seeks to help increase yield and reduce cost amid the implementation of the controversial Rice Tariffication Law.
The Philippines is presently the world’s top rice importer. When a farmer speaks of his despicable conditions he hopes for a definite and prompt reaction from the officialdom. Most of the time he ends up deeply frustrated for the inaction of those who walk the corridors of power.
”Farmers can expect better production as a result of the introduction of this program,” Mariano said.
Serious discussions on the merits of the RCEF are taking place each time PAENRO head Mariano visits a town in the province. He exhorts listeners, mostly soil tillers, to make plans for the future. Undeterred by the remoteness of their villages, Mariano is truly focused on service to those in need.
RCEF’s value is based on a barometer currently resonating on two key components—rice sufficiency and food security.
“We are excited to make the most of this program in the hope of improving the conditions of our farmers.” Mariano told the ZigZag Weekly.
“The commitment of President Duterte to uplift the living standards of farmers and sustain growth in the agriculture sector are the direct result of the government’s continued mission to deliver what is meaningful to our people,” he said.
Under the RCEF, millions of bags of certified seeds are distributed to farmers. To date, more than 400,000 farmers in major rice-producing provinces nationwide have already benefited.
The RCEF has a Php10 billion kitty, about Php3 billion has been allocated for the distribution of inbred seeds.
He disclosed that about 7,000 bags are expected to come and be distributed just in time for the dry season. More than 7,000 bags were earlier given to Ifugao farmers.
With the government’s continued focus on improving productivity in this vital sector, Mariano said the distribution of the seeds continues as it implements plans for the 2020 wet season and 2021 dry season
PAENRO is now in the midst of further strengthening and building up all other projects and programs geared for agricultural development. “The push for RCEF is just one of the steps we are taking to move significantly forward,” Mariano declared.
Mariano earlier pointed out that the Duterte administration seeks to reduce poverty incidence by 17 percent by 2022 from the current 23 percent.
Lack of understanding of farmers’ concerns shall further fuel disenchantment among them. The farmers’ woes will not be ended by the RCEF. Nonetheless, the advocacy campaign of Mr. Mariano reveals his avowed desire to contribute to the betterment of farmers.** By Anthony A. Araos
