Local rice farmers in Northern Samar will soon receive stronger government support following the province’s official inclusion in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program.
The Department of Agriculture (DA)–Eastern Visayas announced that the move marks a major boost for the province’s agricultural sector, giving farmers access to financial assistance, modern farm machinery, high-quality seeds, credit support, and training programs.
DA officer-in-charge Rodel Macapañas said qualified farmers will receive cash assistance ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP7,000 each, particularly those with landholdings of two hectares or less.
“Many farmers in other provinces have already benefited from RCEF, and this time, Northern Samar will also enjoy the same support,” Macapañas said.
The program will also provide training on climate-smart farming, soil health management, and the use of modern machinery to improve productivity and sustainability.
Governor Harris Ongchuan described Northern Samar’s inclusion in RCEF as a “major leap forward” for local agriculture.
“This is not just a boost to our rice industry — it’s an investment in our people and our future. Through RCEF, we are equipping our farmers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive,” Ongchuan said.
Northern Samar has 35,647 hectares of rice land producing over 66,000 metric tons annually.
Created under Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, the RCEF seeks to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers through investments in farm machinery, seed development, credit, and extension services.