By Kristianne Andrade

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna (PIA) — The drive to strengthen Calabarzon’s rice industry is gaining ground, with over 16,000 farmers receiving free certified seeds under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program.

According to the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Los Baños, from March 1 to June 22, a total of 16,083 farmer-beneficiaries from 100 cities and municipalities received seed support, helping them boost productivity and cut input costs.

The agency added that 77,403 seed bags were delivered during the period, with 53,602 already distributed under RCEF, in time for the wet season.

“With the number of seed bags delivered and distributed, it is estimated to be planted in an area of 17,136 hectares. As of now, the delivery of high-quality inbred seeds is ongoing, and we are closely coordinating with the local agriculture office for delivery schedules,” the agency stated.

The RCEF aims to improve income from rice farming, increase the production and distribution of certified inbred rice, boost rice yields, and benefit more Filipino families who need affordable rice.

Anacoreto Mandig, a farmer-beneficiary from Calauan, Laguna, expressed his gratitude for the free seed program, which he said would help reduce their production costs.

“The free rice seeds from RCEF are very helpful. Before, I spent more than P1,000 for only 20 kilos of rice seeds. Now, it’s free, and crop yields are good,” Mandig said.

The RCEF Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allots P10 billion funds yearly for rice farmers. It is a six-year government initiative to help farmers improve their competitiveness.

The free rice seed initiative is in line with the vision of the Marcos Jr. administration to strengthen the country’s food supply chain towards achieving a food-secure Philippines. (KA, PIA4A)

Published Date: July 5, 2025