Over 800 rice farmers of Daraga, Albay were the first recipients of certified rice seeds (RC 222 and RC 216) distributed by the DA-PhilRice under the Seed Component of the P10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Governor Al Francis Bichara, DA Bicol OIC -Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla, and Albay Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl Rebeta led the distribution of seeds and technical briefing at the Albay Farmers Bounty Village in Cabangan, Camalig Albay on November 27, 2019.

The RCEP aims to reduce the average production cost of palay (unmilled rice) from the current P12 per kilogram (kg) to P8/kg by 2025 through various interventions under the Rice Tarrification Law.

Of the total RCEF fund P5 B will be set aside for farm machinery, P3B for inbred rice seeds, and P1B each for credit, and training and extension. (photo by Jayson Gonzales)