President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the Department of Agriculture to use the excess collections of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to help rice farmers in the country, Malacañang said on Sunday.
In a statement, Marcos gave the order during a recent meeting with representatives of the Department of Agriculture as the Chief Executive also wanted to boost rice production and supply in the Philippines.
Marcos said the RCEF excess collection beyond the P10 billion requirement should be used to provide drying, mechanization, and other equipment support to rice farmers to sustain their productivity.
In accordance with Republic Act 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law, rice tariff earnings are expected to cover the P10 billion annual budget demand for the RCEF in order to fund initiatives that increase the competitiveness and output of palay farmers.
"The President also ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government to enjoin all local government units to rationalize the pass-through fees and other transport costs imposed on motor vehicles transporting goods like rice and other products while passing through local public roads to facilitate the faster and more economical transport of rice," Malacañang said in a statement.
In an effort to significantly lower transportation and logistics costs—one of the pillars of the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda—President Marcos previously issued Executive Order No. 41 on 25 September, prohibiting LGUs from collecting toll fees and charges from any vehicles transporting goods or merchandise while passing through national roads and other thoroughfares not constructed or funded by them.
Marcos recently authorized the release of P12.7 billion, which would be given to 2.3 million small rice farmers as part of the government's Rice Farmers Financial help program. Each of these farmers will receive P5,000 in financial help.
