Hand farmers excess RCEP, Marcos orders
Marcos recently authorized the release of P12.7 billion, which would be given to 2.3 million small rice farmers
Daily TribuneMarcos recently authorized the release of P12.7 billion, which would be given to 2.3 million small rice farmers
FILE: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 23 September 2023. (KJ ROSALES/PPA POOL)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered 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.
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.
He said excess RCEF collection beyond the P10 billion requirement should be used to provide rice farmers with drying, mechanization, and other equipment support 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 to fund initiatives that increase the competitiveness and output of palay farmers.
"The President also ordered the Department of the 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.
To significantly lower transportation and logistics costs — one of the pillars of the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda — President Marcos previously issued Executive Order 41 on 25 September, prohibiting LGUs from collecting toll fees from vehicles transporting goods or merchandise while passing through national roads and other thoroughfares not constructed or funded by them.
President 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 the farmers will receive P5,000 in financial help.
