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.
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 Marcos, is to ensure faster and more economical transport of rice.
On September 25, Marcos 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.
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