TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas has assured the provincial government of Northern Samar of sustained agricultural support despite economic pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
DA-8 Regional Director Rodel Macapañas gave the assurance during a Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) meeting with Governor Harris Ongchuan and other provincial officials at the provincial capitol, underscoring the government’s commitment to food security and farmer support programs.
Macapañas said the DA will continue implementing its Fuel Assistance Program for farmers in the province in the coming weeks, separate from the fuel subsidy being distributed to fisherfolk by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
He also reported that financial assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk is currently being processed, with beneficiary validation ongoing.
Qualified recipients must be registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), including small rice, corn, and sugarcane farmers, as well as registered fisherfolk affected by economic disruptions.
Across Eastern Visayas, more than 221,000 farmers are listed under the RSBSA, with each eligible beneficiary expected to receive P2,325 in assistance nationwide.
Macapañas added that the DA is also strengthening its Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) interventions, which include the distribution of rice seeds and fertilizer support, as part of efforts to cushion farmers from rising production costs.
Governor Ongchuan welcomed the continued national government support, emphasizing the need for strong coordination to ensure assistance reaches marginalized farming communities.
He also cited local initiatives to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases on food supply, noting that the Provincial Agriculture Office has started distributing seeds to promote backyard farming across Northern Samar communities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
