NorMin rice farmers receive P45M in cash cards from DA

 By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

 

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--To provide substantial support to the rice farming community, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has joined forces with the Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC) in distributing 8,988 Farmers Interventions Monitoring Cards (FIMCs) to qualified rice farmers in Northern Mindanao.

 

DA-10 Regional Director Carlene Collado said the turnover of FMICs by USSC Area Manager William Parantar on June 27 marks a significant milestone in streamlining the distribution process of nearly P45 million Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA).

 

"The Rice Tariffication Law gives P5,000 financial assistance to rice farmers tilling two hectares and below until 2024. These FMICs serve as an identification card and a cash card, enabling farmers to access financial assistance and other agricultural interventions,” Collado said.

 

With the cash cards, he said farmers can now conveniently receive the RFFA funds directly deposited into their accounts. These are readily withdrawn at any USSC outlet or through the automated teller machines of BancNet-recognized banks nationwide. 

 

The cards, however, are only given to registered rice tillers in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) who meet the RFFA eligibility criteria.


 

 

 

















Regional Director Carlene Collado of the Department of Agriculture-10 leads the distribution of 8,988 cash cards to Northern Mindanao rice farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Photo: DA-10


 

Collado emphasized that the Department of Agriculture (DA) remains committed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, recognizing the pressing need to assist the country’s 1.5 million rice farmers because of the falling palay prices and rising costs of farm inputs.

 

In the next quarter, the DA aims to distribute additional 28,000 FIMCs in the region.

 

Northern Mindanao is home to over 66,000 rice farmers, the Philippine Statistics Authority data showed. Based on DA-10 records, more than half of them have already received financial assistance.


Collado thanked all stakeholders for helping the government, emphasizing the importance of supporting farmers, especially in tough times.

 

Carlota Madriaga, DA-10 regional technical director for operations, and Chona Nacalaban, the Rice Program focal person, participated in the FIMC turnover event, highlighting the unwavering commitment of its partners in empowering farmers in Northern Mindanao. (RLRB/PIA 10-Bukidnon with reports from ATT/DA10)


 

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