Marcos orders econ managers: Fast-track farm subsidies  

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) yesterday to fast track government support and meet the needs of farmers across the country for the planting season.

The president also directed the Department of Budget and Management to deliver on time the budgetary requirements for the agriculture sector to avoid funding gaps.      

There should be “no significant delays in the implementation of agri-support to farmers,” the president told his economic managers during a meeting in Malacañang on Monday, saying they must be mindful of the planting season.

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At the meeting, the Agriculture department reported farmers can achieve higher yields and maximize productivity across various ecosystems as long as they can easily access and have sufficient assistance in terms of fertilizers, quality seeds and technologies. 

Adequate support prevents delays in seed and fertilizer distribution, allowing farmers to plant on time and optimize harvest potential. 

“Increased rice production supports job creation across the value chain — farm laborers, transporters, millers, and traders — stimulating rural economies,” the department said. 

In a separate statement, the DA said it is ramping up efforts to make rice more accessible and affordable for Filipinos by expanding the Rice-for-All program. 

This will be possible by opening additional KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosks in public markets and train stations, and implementing the P29 rice program for vulnerable sectors, it added.

 Under the Rice-for-All program, consumers can buy the staple food at P45 per kilo for 5-percent broken grains, P40 for 25-percent broken rice, P36 for 100-percent broken or “Sulit Rice.” The P29 rice program is intended to benefit indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities. There is a 10-kilo monthly limit per beneficiary. 

The department has also partnered with the Metro Manila Development Council to engage local government units in the National Capital Region, authorizing local governments to sell National Food Authority rice stocks at P38 per kilo.

Starting January 20, the department will impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58 per kilo for premium imported rice. The suggested retail price will first be implemented in Metro Manila and undergo a monthly review.

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