Duterte signs rice farmer cash assistance bill into law
Published on: January 7, 2022.
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PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed into law a bill authorizing direct monetary assistance to rice farmers, who are among the hardest-hit members of the industry as a result of the pandemic.
Republic Act No. 11589 or the Cash Assistance for Filipino Farmers Act will support rice farmers tilling two hectares or less until 2024.
The law noted “the urgency of intervening for our farmers in light of the current state of declining palay prices and the crippling effects of the coronavirus pandemic.”
For the cash to be distributed, the Department of Agriculture will tap any funds exceeding P10 billion collected from rice import tariffs. The first P10 billion collected is reserved for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
RCEF is a component of Republic Act No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law.
The House of Representatives approved the bill on Sept. 15. It was later adopted by the Senate on Sept. 21. Mr. Duterte signed it into law on Dec. 10. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
Source: https://www.bworldonline.com/duterte-signs-rice-farmer-cash-assistance-bill-into-law/
