DA-7 aid coming for Bohol, Negros Oriental farmers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Agriculture-7 is now processing the release of cash assistance to farmers in Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor after it recently released a total of P2.8 million for the rice farmers in Toledo City and Pinamungajan town.

 The department said that some 71,366 rice farmers in Central Visayas will receive the said cash subsidy worth P361 million in total within this month.

The financial subsidy is under the Rice Comprehensive Enhancement Fund - Rice Farmers' Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program.

 DA-7 acting regional director Joel Elumba said that the P5,000 cash aid is intended for all rice producers registered under the registry system for basic sector in agriculture (RSBSA), who are affected by the implementation of the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL).

 Elumba added that the cash subsidy will also greatly help the farmers whose farms are severely damaged by typhoon Odette.

 Toledo Mayor Marjorie Picson-Perales, in a separate post on the city’s official Facebook page, said that her city is giving big importance to farmers.

 The post said that under the leadership of City Agriculturist Renelio Mabao, the farmers were receiving insurance benefits by Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) as payment in case their crops were damaged due to calamities, among others.

It added that after receiving P5,000 cash aid from DA, the rice farmers will soon receive their indemnity checks for their damaged crops.

 “Sa dili napud madugay, madawat napud ang tagsa-tagsa nila ka mga indemnity checks alang sa mga damages sa ilahang pananom. Kini nga claim gi sumiter sa buhatan sa PCIC homan sa bagyong Odette ug gitabangan og proseso ni Sir Renelio Mabao og sa buhatan ni Governor Gwen Garcia,” the statement read.

It further stated that the city has started giving the P2,000 to each household as “ayuda” to to those affected by Typhoon Odette. — KQD (FREEMAN)