The national government is proposing a P69.9-billion budget for major rice programs under the 2027 National Expenditure Program to increase domestic rice production and raise the income and productivity of Filipino farmers, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday.
The DBM said the proposal reflects a three-pronged rice strategy that aims to produce more rice domestically, strengthen farmers and improve access to affordable rice.
Data showed that of the total, P29.9 billion will go to the Department of Agriculture’s National Rice Program, which will provide quality seeds, farm inputs, extension services and modern production technologies to boost rice farmers’ productivity and income.
Another P30 billion will fund the extended and increased Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which will draw from tariffs collected on rice imports.
The RCEF allocation includes P9 billion for rice farm machinery and equipment through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, P6 billion for rice seed development, propagation and promotion through the Philippine Rice Research Institute and P15 billion for other priority programs, activities and projects.
The government will also spend P10 billion for the Rice for All Program, which will make affordable rice available to consumers through Kadiwa Centers and other accredited facilities nationwide.
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