P520M rice fund empowers farmers in Caraga Region

P520M rice fund empowers farmers in Caraga Region Regional News country,” Cassion said.

She also expressed optimism that the modernization program will be pushed through, saying it is about time to improve the transport situation in Caraga Region.

“One important factor that contributes to the realization of this program is our pro-activeness, especially in addressing the issues and concerns of the various transport service cooperatives and corporations,” Cassion said.

She said LTFRB-Caraga will continue to provide technical assistance to the transport service cooperatives in the area.

Meanwhile, Cassion pointed out that PUVMP is not merely a vehicle modernization program but a comprehensive system of reforms that will entirely change the public land transportation industry.

“This program is not impossible. We have already started it. We have made gradual but impactful changes in our units that received positive feedback from the commuting public. This goes to show that the PUV Modernization Program has really worked,” she said. (PNA)

BUTUAN CITY - March 5, 2020, marks the first anniversary of the implementation of the Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL).

Caraga Infocus 14

Over a year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga together with its implementing agencies took the challenge to pursue a more efficient implementation of the four component programs of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

As a result, a total of P520 million agri support has been poured to the rice farmers in the region. This includes the provision of farm machinery, quality seeds, credit, and training and extension services.

Today, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together with Engr. Rene Q. Morales lead the turn-over of farm machinery to eligible farmer associations held at DA-Caraga ILD Grounds, Brgy. Taguibo, Butuan City.

“You are now receiving the fruit of the implementation of RTL. The rice tariff revenues are allocated to programs that will make Caraga rice farmers globally competitive. Rest assured that more interventions are coming and sooner will be realized. We just need your support and your cooperation,” Monteagudo said.

In support of agricultural modernization, DA-Caraga distributed a total of P350 million worth of farm equipment. Around 280 farmer associations and cooperatives received their proposed farm equipment such as mechanical rice transplanters, fourwheel-drive tractors, rice combine harvesters, hand tractors, rice threshers,

Robert “Datu Bantiles” Tagalogon, tribal leader of Manobo Farmers Sectoral Tribal Council Inc. in La Paz, Agusan del Sur is very grateful from the five pump and engine set they received.

According to Datu Bantiles around 3,000, Manobo rice farmers will benefit easier access to the water supply.

“We are now ready for the next cropping season through the help of the pump and engine. We are looking forward to an abundant harvest,” said Datu Bantiles. Under the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance (SURE-Aid) Program, a total of 6,596 rice farmers from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte including Butuan City received a P15,000-loan at zero interest payable in eight years.

Meanwhile, the release of cash grants to 1,210 qualified rice farmers under the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program provided unconditional P5,000 cash assistance to farmers with one-half to two hectares of rice land.

On the other hand, the DA – Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) – Agusan distributed P65.5 million worth or an equivalent of 86,243 bags of inbred rice seeds to 34,258 farmers in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur for the November – December 2019 planting season. This corresponds to an estimated planted area of 44,852 hectares.

Another round of seed distribution worth P72.96 million will be done this month for the wet cropping season that will benefit more than 40,000 farmers.

In addition to RCEF credit assistance, the DA together with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, Landbank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines open more windows for financial aids Another 16,000 rice farmers will receive the said assistance not later this month.

For the training and extension component, DA-Agricultural Training Institute – Caraga together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Caraga is closely working to conduct more refresher courses, training, accreditation programs, and scholarships.

The department aims that on the next six years as a result of RCEF, it will effectively reduce the average production cost of palay by P4 kg, from the current P12 kg, increase the average yield by at least two tons per hectare from the current four metric tons per hectare, and double the income of rice farmers. (DA Caraga/ PIA Caraga)