A total P219 million was released to rice farmers in Nueva Ecija under the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance Program (RFFAP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the agency fast-tracked the distribution of the financial assistance as mandated by President Duterte.

The program, which rolled out on 23 December, was initially awarded to 500 farmers from the municipalities of Cuyapo, Guimba, Science City of Muñoz, Quezon, Talugtog and Nampicuan.

Dar said in the coming days, 43,845 rice farmers from the province will be awarded Land Bank cash cards loaded with P5,000 which they can use to improve production and augment their income.

According to him, aside from the 33 provinces and qualified farmers who will receive the first tranche of the RFFAP, DA will also look into awarding the same financial aid to provinces that have constantly partnered with the government to attain food security and help rice farmers.

“We will be providing the same grant to other areas as an incentive,” Dar said.

The cabinet official explained the strategy also aims to encourage other provincial governments to take the initiative and assist rice farmers affected by the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law.

Dar also said the department will also continue to find solutions to address reduced prices of rice.