The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte started distributing free certified inbred seeds under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program to registered farmers in the region.

Data from DA-PhilRice Batac showed that 99,008 20-kilo bags have been allocated for rice farmers in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan for the upcoming wet cropping season.

To facilitate the speedy distribution, the towns of Sarrat and Piddig in Ilocos Norte utilized the “Binhi e-Padala,” a digital distribution system where qualified beneficiaries receive a claim code via text message that they need to present when receiving the seeds.

“This distribution system is meant to streamline the registration process,” RCEF coordinator of DA-PhilRice Batac Bethzaida Catudan said in a statement on Tuesday. “Eligible farmers will only show their RCEF ID and claim their allotted seeds based on a set schedule.”

The certified seeds selected for distribution in the region include NSIC Rc 216, Rc 222, and Rc 512. All are known to be resistant to disease outbreaks and insects, and could adapt to the local environment.

Of the initial 28,405 bags of inbred rice seeds allocated for Region 1 (Ilocos), 3,632 were already distributed, mostly in Pangasinan.

“Thank you very much DA-PhilRice Batac for the early distribution of free quality seeds,” Marcial Agoto, a resident of Laoag, said.

Last year, over 82,000 bags of free certified inbred seeds were distributed to almost 46,000 Ilocos Region farmers, ensuring their access to high-quality seeds for better yield.

DA-PhilRice Batac also intensified its farmer support programs by disseminating rice production technologies through radio broadcasts, social media, videos, and printed materials.

It also ramped up capacity-building efforts; training for agricultural extension workers, local farmer technicians and farmer cooperatives on high-quality inbred rice and seeds; farm mechanization; and pest and nutrient management.

“These initiatives reflect our strong commitment to Ilocano farmers. By ensuring timely seed delivery and providing essential knowledge, we are helping farmers achieve higher yields and reduce production costs,” Catudan said.

The RCEF Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allots PHP10 billion funds yearly for rice farmers.

The program is a six-year government initiative to help farmers improve their competitiveness. PhilRice leads its implementation, in partnership with local government units. (PNA)