SOME 21,553 farmers from Central Luzon will receive financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA).

The farmers who come from Bulacan are targeted to become farmer-beneficiaries under the RFFA project with the help of the Development Bank of the Philippines and Universal Storefront Services Corporation.

This as a kick-off ceremony under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) was launched by the Department of Agriculture-Central Luzon on February 10, 2022, at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, Capitol Compound, City of Malolos, Bulacan.

The RFFA is a DA program that aims to provide financial assistance to rice farmers in the Philippines affected by the government's liberalized rice importation policy and support especially during this time of pandemic.

Based on Republic Act No. 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, RFFA funding is based on the amount to be collected from excess tariff revenues from P10 billion of RCEF.

To be included in the list of beneficiaries, the farmer who receives P5,000 must be registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and have farmland not exceeding two hectares.

The RFFA distribution is divided into two methods, one of which is the store payout where the farmer himself goes to the USSC branches while the other gets in a payout caravan.

The activity was also attended by Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension and Amad Eduardo Lapuz, Jr., Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF. Carillo, Malolos Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian and Rice Banner Focal Person Lowell Rebillaco.

Distribution will continue in the coming days in various municipalities of Bulacan.