By Leander C. Domingo

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) distributed P343,000 worth of Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA) to 49 beneficiaries in Itbayat, Batanes.

Each farmer received P7,000 cash to help sustain their farming activities in one of the remotest areas in the country.

DA-RFO2 executive director Rose Mary Aquino said the distribution was led by Marvin Luis, officer in charge of the field office and concurrent regional rice coordinator, at the Itbayat Municipal Hall.

The activity was also coordinated with the Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Batanes and witnessed by local officials, including Itbayat Municipal Mayor Sabas De Sagon and agriculturist Donabel Gulaga.

De Sagon thanked the DA-RFO2 for its continued support to the farmers.

“Even though we are far away, the DA does not forget us, especially our farmers. This is a great help to them,” the mayor said.

Luis also encouraged the farmers to increase local rice production and lessen their reliance on supplies from the mainland.

“It is better that we plant ourselves so that we no longer depend on what is imported from the mainland,” he said, emphasizing the importance of food security and self-sufficiency in the province.

Published Date: April 3, 2025