Senator Escudero: P30-billion rice fund can help farmers amid El Niño threat

Senator Francis Escudero urged the government to utilize the ₱30-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to provide the necessary support for the agricultural sector.

Established under Republic Act No. 11203, this fund is intended to support long-term measures that assist farmers in managing the impacts of El Niño and increasing global fuel prices.

The senator highlighted the P15 billion allocation under the fund for “Other Priority Programs, Activities and Projects.”

He said this portion be redirected toward initiatives that more effectively enhance productivity, strengthen supply resilience, and address food security concerns during supply shortages or sharp price increases.

“Isa pang pwede na makakatulong sa ating mga magsasaka ay yung portion ng P30 billion mula sa rice competitiveness enhancement program, specifically the P15 billion for other priority programs,” Escudero said.

He said this fund can be mobilized for expanded financial assistance, rice credit, and irrigation projects.

The senator emphasized that national responses must extend beyond immediate relief efforts, particularly as the country navigates overlapping challenges.

These include the impending dry spell caused by El Niño and global fuel shocks resulting from tensions in the Middle East.

“Makakatulong ang short-term and immediate ayuda subalit kailangan rin natin ng mga pangmatagalang programang magpapatibay sa produksyon at magbibigay ng kakayahan sa ating mga magsasaka na harapin ang tagtuyot at mataas na presyo ng langis,” he added.

The senator made the remarks during the Department of Agriculture's distribution of funds under the P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.

Senator Escudero noted that the program is currently granting P2,325 each to over 4.17 million farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.

 The DA described the government's cash aid program.as a temporary buffer against rising fuel costs.

Initial payouts are already underway in the following regions:

• Ilocos Region

• Cagayan Valley

• Central Luzon

• Western Visayas

• Zamboanga Peninsula

The Bicolano lawmaker emphasized that the broader objective is to reinforce farmers’ capacity to recover and sustain production.

“Ang mahalaga ay matulungan silang makabangon at makapagpatuloy sa produksyon, upang manatiling matatag ang ating suplay ng pagkain kahit sa gitna ng krisis,” he said.

Agriculture officials have acknowledged that current assistance is limited and primarily intended for short-term relief.

They are also preparing for the potential development of a moderate to strong El Niño later this year.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, there is a 79 percent chance of this weather pattern developing by June.

The current phenomenon is expected to bring prolonged dry conditions, which will likely place pressure on irrigation systems and reduce agricultural output, particularly for rice and corn.

-Paraluman News