The Department of Agriculture (DA)-12 distributed on Tuesday cash assistance to 477 rice farmers here who were affected by the series of earthquakes quakes that hit the province in October last year.

Each farmer received PHP5,000 taken from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) of the DA through the Land Bank of the Philippines. Recipients were identified through the local government unit’s (LGU) Registry System for Basic Sectors of Agriculture, which determine farmers who own less than one hectare of land.

The DA-12 is set to distribute more seedlings and fertilizers later this year.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said he has ordered the city agriculture office to formulate a program that will allow the LGU to buy the rice from the local farmers.

“No worry, we will buy your rice in order for you to have a decent and justifiable price in return for your sacrifices”, Evangelista said, adding he plans to bring the local rice products in large domestic markets, particularly in Clark, Pampanga and Cebu City.

Last year, the city was jolted by a series of quakes that occurred on October 16, 29, and 31, which damaged infrastructure and water projects that irrigate the vast agricultural areas of the city. (PNA)