MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) is gearing up for the efficient rollout of key rice projects in Bukidnon under the National Rice Program (NRP) for 2025

On July 17, DA-NorMin convened officials from the Provincial, City, and Municipal Agriculture Offices across the province to fine-tune the implementation of pipelined NRP initiatives. The meeting focused on refining the guidelines for selecting farmer-beneficiaries, distributing agricultural inputs, and accessing drone services for precision agriculture.

To ensure seamless project execution, DA-NorMin presented a comprehensive implementation strategy, including a process flow for compliance, a timeline of documentary requirements, and coordination mechanisms between the agency and local government units (LGUs).

Discussions also covered the ongoing implementation of the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RFFA) and Fertilizer Discount Voucher (FDV) programs. This year, qualified rice farmers are set to receive up to PHP 7,000 in cash assistance under the RFFA. Meanwhile, DA reminded stakeholders that the deadline to claim 2024 spillover vouchers under the FDV program is July 31.

The meeting also highlighted the Crop Diversification Program (CDP), another component of the NRP. Through the CDP, eligible smallholder rice farmers may receive up to PHP 10,000 worth of agricultural inputs, including seeds and fertilizer, to support diversified and sustainable farming practices.

Representatives from the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) also participated in the consultation. They provided updates on the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), particularly on the distribution of mechanization equipment and certified inbred seeds.

Additionally, the meeting served as a venue to address challenges in farmer registration under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), a critical database for DA program eligibility.

With strong collaboration among national agencies and local counterparts, DA-NorMin aims to deliver more responsive, inclusive, and timely support for rice farmers across Bukidnon.

(melbmadera/ATT)