Senators urge DA to distribute RCEF fund excesses as cash aid for farmers amid COVID-19

At least two senators on Monday said all amounts in excess of the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) or duties collected from the Rice Tariffication Law should be disbursed as cash assistance for local farmers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a Senate panel deliberation on the Department of Agriculture's proposed P56.8 billion budget for 2021, Senate committee on agriculture chairperson Cynthia Villar said she has a Senate resolution for such.

"Anything beyond the P10 billion will be given as cash assistance to the farmers in this time of pandemic, 'yung anything beyond the P10 billion collection in tariff, she said.

Villar added that the excess in tax collections is currently more than P800 million.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, who made a similar proposal last week, agreed with Villar and requested to be made a co-author of the resolution.

Under the Rice Tariffication Law signed in February 2019, the government should earmark P10 billion annually for the RCEF for six years.

From this fund, P5 billion will be allocated to rice farm machinery and equipment, P3 billion for rice seeds, P1 billion for expanded credit assistance, and P1 billion for rice extension services such as training for farmers.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the DA is exploring the suggestion made by the senators.

"Tinitingnan po namin 'yung taripa at kung puwede magbigay ng cash assistance ay we will make it possible this time again," he said.

Dar added that out of the P24 billion earmarked for the agriculture sector under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2, P4 billion will be used for social amelioration.

"Dito po sa Bayanihan 2 mayroong nakalaan doon sa social protection na P4 billion at bibigyan po natin ang poorest of the poor, 'yung mga fisherfolk, coconut farmers, corn farmers, upland farmers," he said.

The senators reminded the agency to implement this social amelioration for farmers and fisherfolk as soon as possible because the Bayanihan 2 will only be effective until December 19. —KG, GMA News