At least 1,752 rice farmers are set to benefit from the Oct. 24-28 cash distribution assistance being conducted by the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) in all of Dinagat Islands’ seven towns.

In a statement Wednesday, the DA-13 said each beneficiary will receive PHP5,000 cash aid through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program of the agency.

Some PHP8.8 million cash aid will be released during the five-day distribution activity.

“The RFFA, now in its third phase, aims to provide support to rice farmers tilling two hectares or fewer to augment their farm production needs such as fertilizer and fuel incurred in using farm machinery,” the DA-13 said.

The continuing distribution is being facilitated by the DA-13’s Field Operations Division through the Rice Program and Extension Partnership Section and the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office in the area.

Two rice farmers have expressed gratitude to the government for the financial support they received.

“This is a big help to increase my production this cropping season,” Isaias Israel, 62, from Barangay Pamanaon, in Loreto town, was quoted as saying.

Another beneficiary, Ronald Luib Sr., 59, of Barangay San Vicente, Tubajon municipality said he will use the financial aid to procure more fertilizers and increase yield.

Data provided by the DA-13 indicated that the RFFA distribution will benefit some 463 rice farmers in Libjo municipality; Basilisa (367); Tubajon (339); Loreto (233); Cagdianao (229); Dinagat (91); and San Jose (30).

For this year, the DA-13 said the region has allocated PHP272 million for RFFA benefiting 52,000 rice farmers. (PNA)