About half the number of bags of fertilizers has already been distributed to qualified members of DISADECO-Angadanan Branch to date. Of the 3,800 bags allotted to DISADECO-Angadanan, 1,914 bags have been distributed to farmer-beneficiaries.

 

This project activity is a joint undertaking of the Department of Agriculture and DISADECO through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). It is now on its second year of implementation with around 8,000 farmer-beneficiaries. These recipients come from Angadanan and Cordon, all in the province of Isabela.

 

The great reduction from last year’s number of recipients of 25,000 is due to the non-inclusion of the province of Quirino for yet unknown reasons.

The RCEF or Rice Fund was created through the imposition of a 35 percent tariff on imported shipments of Southeast Asian grains. Accordingly, the fund is aimed at improving farmer’s competitiveness in rice production and improving incomes.

 

The number of bags of fertilizers that a farmer-beneficiary will receive will depend on the area that he/she tills. The DA computes the number of bags of fertilizers a recipient is to receive and issues a voucher. The recipient brings with him the voucher, goes to the distribution center and presents the voucher to the cooperative. After verification, the cooperative gives out the fertilizer.

Meanwhile, the start of distribution to the recipients of Cordon will be on November 4, 2021 at the Community Center.