Use excess RCEF fund to aid rice farmers -- Bongbong Marcos | Inquirer News

Use excess RCEF fund to aid rice farmers — Bongbong Marcos

By: - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ
/ 04:57 PM October 08, 2023

October to see 1.9M metric tons of rice harvest -- DA-BPI

File photo shows a rice farmer in Tiwi, Albay (MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / INQUIRER)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to utilize the excess Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) fund to help farmers.

Marcos issued the directive during his recent meeting with the DA, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement released on Sunday.

Article continues after this advertisement

He cited that the remaining money from the P10 billion RCEF must be used to provide drying, mechanization, and other equipment that will support rice farmers and help sustain their productivity.

The RCEF was sourced from rice tariffs in accordance with Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law. During the same meeting, Marcos also tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government to join all local government units (LGUs) in rationalizing the passing-through fees and other transport costs imposed on motor vehicles transporting rice and other products. This, according to him, is to ensure faster and more economical transport of rice. On September 25, the president issued Executive Order No. 41, which prohibits LGUs from collecting toll fees on vehicles that transport goods or merchandise while passing through national roads to lessen the transportation and logistics costs of farmers as part of the government’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda. Other roads not constructed or funded by the LGUs are also included in the order.

RELATED STORIES:

P10-B excess RCEF collections may be tapped for farming, irrigation — Romualdez

Marcos lifts rice price cap, says supply boosters in place

gsg
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Bongbong Marcos Jr., rice

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.