At least 2,000 rice and corn farmers in New Corella, Davao del Norte benefited from fuel and cash subsidies extended by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 (Davao region).

In a statement Friday, DA-11 Director Abel James Monteagudo said at least 1,995 rice farmers each received a cash subsidy of PHP5,000 under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) while 85 corn farmers each received a PHP3,000 fuel discount card.

Now in its third phase, the RCEF aims to sustain its support to rice farmers tilling two hectares of land or fewer, and are affected by the episodes of a significant drop in palay farm gate prices in time for the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

The fuel discount card, on the other hand, aims to help ease the impact of rising oil prices on corn farmers.

“We look forward that these humble steps of the agency will provide a big impact on the lives of the farmers and for the country as a whole,” Monteagudo said.

To qualify for the assistance, he said, beneficiaries must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. (PNA)