Provincial Government of Bulacan

DA-PhilRice cites PGB’s efforts on RCEF-Seed and Extension Programs

CITY OF MALOLOS– In recognition of its efforts as an invaluable partner in the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)- Seed and Extension Programs for 2022 Wet Season, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) conferred a Special Citation Award to the Provincial Government of Bulacan during the RCEF Awards Recognition of Partners held at the DA-PhilRice Central Experiment Station, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija last August 5, 2022.

PGB’s leadership and guidance have been instrumental in achieving 100% of the seed delivery target in the province, enabling the 14 municipalities and 2 cities in the province to attain a cumulative distribution rate of 98%.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando assured the Bulakenyo farmers that improving their competitiveness and income is on top of the priority of the PGB.

“Batid po natin ang kahalagahan ng mga magsasaka sa ating paglago bilang isang lalawigan, at bilang isang bansa. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo ay wala tayong ihahain sa ating mga hapag-kainan. Magtiwala po kayo na ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan sa pamamagitan ng Provincial Agriculture Office ay inyong kakampi sa pangangalaga ng inyong kapakanan,” the governor said.

Other municipalities and cities that were given the same citation include City of San Jose del Monte, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, and Paombong for Small Scale category; Angat, Baliwag, Bustos, City of Malolos, Norzagaray, Pandi, Plaridel, Pulilan, and Santa Maria for Medium Scale category; and San Ildefonso and San Miguel for Large Scale category.

Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law created the RCEF or Rice Fund to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst liberalization of the Philippine rice trade policy that lifted quantitative restrictions on rice imports and replaced it with tariffs, among others. ###