Major Cash Support for 2M+ Rice Farmers in the Philippines

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has embarked on a substantial financial aid initiative, targeting the country’s small-scale rice farmers. An estimated 2.38 million farmers are set to receive P5,000 each as part of the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program. This program, an unconditional financial assistance scheme, is designed specifically for farmers cultivating areas less than two hectares.

This significant cash grant, which amounts to a total of P12.7 billion, is a directive of Republic Act No. 11598, commonly known as the Cash Assistance to Filipino Farmers Act of 2021. The funding for this program is sourced from the excess tariff collections accrued from rice importations in the previous year.

The distribution of this aid has commenced in earnest, with the Department of Agriculture confirming that, as of December 28, the accounts of 458,435 farmers have already been credited. Additionally, a substantial number of farmers, totaling 44,719, have successfully withdrawn their funds, facilitated by the combined efforts of the Development Bank of the Philippines and USSC, a licensed e-money issuer.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio Sebastian has highlighted the impact of this assistance, noting that it will aid in meeting the daily subsistence and personal needs of these small rice farmers. This program is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring the welfare of its key stakeholders – the farmers​​.