(EASTERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 515 rice farmers in Eastern Samar received P7,000 each in financial assistance from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund–Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) during a payout held at the Balangkayan Civic Center.
The distribution, facilitated by the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services under Provincial Agriculturist Virgilio Capon in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office, aimed to support farmers’ livelihoods and boost agricultural productivity.
Beneficiaries came from 12 municipalities, including Balangiga (148), Balangkayan (63), General MacArthur (11), Giporlos (24), Guiuan (7), Hernani (28), Lawaan (24), Llorente (89), Maydolong (40), Quinapondan (43), Salcedo (8), and Borongan City, 30.
Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone assured farmers of the provincial government’s continued support, emphasizing their key role in strengthening the province’s economy.
Also present at the activity were Balangkayan Mayor Allan Contado, Margarito Guasis representing Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, and Mary Grace Palconit, agricultural coordinating officer of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8.
One of the beneficiaries, 67-year-old Erlinda Logronio from Barangay Cag-olango, Balangiga, said the aid would be used to purchase seeds, fertilizer, and vegetable planting materials. She noted that government support is particularly vital as farmers contend with recurring challenges such as typhoons, floods, and pests.
The RCEF program is designed to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods by providing financial assistance, farm machinery, quality seeds, and credit support to help sustain agricultural production despite natural calamities and other challenges.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
