Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Rep. Emilio “Dino” Yulo led the distribution of P5.8 million worth of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF – RFFA) to 1,165 farmer-beneficiaries in La Castellana, during the weekend.
The RCEF – RFFA of the Dept. of Agriculture aims to provide cash assistance to smallholder rice farmers tilling rice lands of two hectares and below, and provide temporary relief to eligible farmers throughout the implementation years of the Rice Tariffication Law.
It is a direct and unconditional cash assistance in the form of cash cards amounting to P5,000 to each eligible farmer-beneficiary, according to a statement issued by the Capitol Public Information Office.
Lacson and Yulo were joined by Board Member Rita Gatuslao, Mayor Rhumyla Nicor – Mangilimutan, and Provincial Agriculturist officer in charge Dina Genzola in the ceremonial distribution of assistance held at La Castellana public plaza.
Lacson, assisted by Provincial Environment and Management Office head Atty. Julie Ann Bedrio, provincial consultant Rafael Coscolluela, and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, also distribution of checks to various LGUs that have initiated various programs and projects for environmental protection and conservation, during the Environment Month Culminating Activity.
Calatrava received P1.6 million for the construction of a multi-purpose hall and mangrove boardwalk; Sipalay City and Cauayan got P400,000 each for the procurement of glass bottom boats; San Enrique received P1.5 million for the biodegradable shredder project and construction of mangrove boardwalk and training center; La Castellana also got P1 million for the construction of plastic recycling housing facility; while Hinoba-an received P5 million for the establishment of watch tower, Tiger Grass processing facility, and impounding water system, a press release from the Capitol said.*
