A total of P480.24 million-worth of farm machineries and other inputs were awarded to farmers who are members of an organized group, the Irrigator’s and Farmer’s Association in Northern Mindanao.

The assistance is part of the government’s provision for equipment to increase productivity and income of rice farmers and make them more competitive.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has been working double-time to set up support for those affected by the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

“Since my first day in office, we have been focusing on accelerating the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) under RTL,” Dar announced during the turnover ceremony held on September 16, 2019 in Bukidnon.

“Meron na pong mga gumagalaw na components such as training and extension, yung seeds ipo-procure na, yung machineries for bidding,” he said.

Dar is positive that the impact of the different components of RCEF will be manifested by the next dry season.

“That is our target. We cannot accelerate now kasi hindi akma yung season,” he emphasized. For many years, the Department of Agriculture has exhausted its resources to improve rice production and productivity.

Dar stressed that while the previous administrations made sure that rice production intensifies, it is important to carry out an organized and systematic value chain approach to transform farmers from producers to agri-businessmen.

“Dadagdagan po natin ang value chain, at isasama ang drying, milling and selling,” he said.

The Secretary has been seeking support from the private sector and various institutions to invest in the development of Philippine agriculture.

“The World Bank has approved an additional $280-million funding for the implementation of the Philippine Rural Development Project,” he said.

Dar has also secured $500M for the implementation of a Provincial-Led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System and $300M to fund inclusive development projects in Mindanao provinces. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)