Farmers and fishermen in Cagayan and Isabela received ₱2.5 billion worth of agricultural inputs, equipment, and financial support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday, Oct. 3.
The agency said the aid package included seeds, animals, fishing gear, post-harvest facilities, and financial subsidies aimed at boosting productivity in the two northern provinces, which are key producers of rice and corn.
According to the DA, Cagayan received ₱1.13 billion in aid, while Isabela was allocated ₱1.37 billion, with the majority of the funding coming from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is sourced from tariffs on imported rice.
The interventions are part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and increase resilience, it added.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. led the distribution, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to the sector.
“We are providing in-kind support that will ensure the success of the dry season planting for the calendar year 2024 and enhance the productivity and income of our farmers across multiple programs,” Laurel said, noting the initiatives aim to boost rice production and improve farm resilience.
The distribution included hybrid rice, corn, and peanut seeds, as well as fertilizers, piglets, and fishing gear, the department said.
Fingerlings and boats were also given to boost the fishing industry.
The DA said it has also inaugurated a rice processing system worth ₱114.5 million in Naguilian, Isabela, and handed over agricultural equipment worth ₱65.7 million to farmer cooperatives in Cagayan.
The DA said indemnities from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and fuel subsidies were also given out, alongside financial assistance from the RCEF.