PBBM orders DA, DOF to hasten aid distribution to rice farmers

ASSISTANCE FOR RICE FARMERS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during the distribution of sacks of rice to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City, Capiz on Friday (Oct. 6, 2023). Marcos said more than 10,000 eligible recipients from the province would benefit from the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance Program, which provides unconditional financial assistance for farmers tilling less than 2 hectares of land, as mandated under Republic Act 11598 or the Cash Assistance to Filipino Farmers Act of 2021. (PNA photo by Alfred Frias )

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Finance (DOF) to expedite the distribution of assistance to local rice farmers.

Marcos gave the directive during the distribution of rice to around 1,000 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries at Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City, Capiz province.

In his speech, Marcos ensured that his administration is committed to improving the productivity and income of farmers, especially amid the spike in the prices of rice.

“Dahil dito, inaatasan ko ang DA at ang Department of Finance na pabilisin ang pamamahagi ng mga benepisyong ito. Umpisa pa lang po ito sa mga hakbangin ng gobyerno upang mapa-unlad ang buhay ng mga Pilipino (Because of this, I am directing the DA and the Department of Finance to expedite the distribution of these benefits. This is just the beginning of the government’s initiatives to improve the lives of Filipinos),” Marcos said.

“Mula sa pagpapalakas ng agrikultura ng bansa at sa pagpapalawig ng mga benepisyong handog ng iba pang mga sektor, masaya po akong makitang maraming natutulungan ang ating mga proyekto. Ibig sabihin lamang nito, tama ang tinutungo ng ating direksyon para sa pamumuno (From the strengthening of the country’s agriculture and the expansion of benefits offered by other sectors, I am happy to see that many are benefitting from our projects. It just means that our leadership direction is headed in the right direction),” he added.

Marcos noted that over 10,000 eligible recipients from the province will benefit from the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program, an initiative that provides unconditional financial assistance for farmers tilling below two hectares of land as mandated under Republic Act 11598 or the Cash Assistance to Filipino Farmers Act of 2021.

He added that small-scale farmers would be able to receive machinery and seedlings, undergo trainings, attend seminars and borrow money through the Rice Competitive Enhancement Program.

Last week, Marcos ordered the release of PHP12.7 billion to fund the RFFA program to assist rice farmers amid challenges hounding the agriculture sector.

The program has identified about 2.3 million small rice farmer beneficiaries who will receive PHP5,000 each in financial aid.

Beneficiaries include those in farm cooperatives associations, irrigators associations, agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, small water impounding systems associations, and other farm groups.

Report acts of smuggling, hoarding

Meantime, Marcos also urged the public to report incidents of smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities.

Marcos made the call, as he lamented there are still smugglers and hoarders who are trying to manipulate the price of agricultural products in the local markets.

“Kaya kung may nalalaman po kayong sangkot sa mga ganitong transaksyon, huwag po kayong matakot na magsuplong. Tandaan po ninyo, kasabay ng Bagong Pilipinas ay ang pagkakaroon ng panatag, masagana at matatag na buhay. Angkinin po natin ito (So if you know someone involved in these transactions, don’t be afraid to report it. Remember, along with the New Philippines is having a secure, abundant and stable life. Let’s claim it),” he said.

Marcos said he had already reached out to Congress to hasten the approval of amendments to laws that impose penalties against agricultural economic sabotage.

He earlier certified as urgent the approval of Senate Bill (SB) 2432, a measure that imposes stiffer penalties against the crimes of agricultural economic sabotage, “to promote the productivity of the agriculture sector, protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers, and ensure reasonable and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery products for consumers.”

Under SB 2432, the acts of agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel as economic sabotage are committed when the value of each and agricultural and fishery product subject of the crime is at least PHP1 million, using the Daily Price Index, under Section 19 of the proposed law, computed at the time the crime was committed.