Butuan city: The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) has successfully disbursed over PHP28.4 million worth of fertilizer discount vouchers to rice farmers across four of Caraga's five provinces, supporting the agricultural community during the second cropping season. These disbursements took place from June to July this year, benefiting numerous farming communities in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA-13 recorded one distribution activity in June for Surigao del Sur's rice farmers and conducted three separate releases in the first two weeks of July. The vouchers are intended to cover a range of agricultural inputs, including PHP18.2 million for fertilizers, PHP2.4 million for bio-fertilizers, and PHP7.8 million for soil ameliorants.

The distribution of discount vouchers was carefully organized, with Surigao del Sur receiving PHP7.2 million, Agusan del Norte (including Butuan City) being allocated PHP8.2 million, Agusan del Sur getting PHP6.4 million, and Surigao del Norte receiving PHP6.6 million. The distribution activities were held in multiple locations, including Madrid, Carmen, and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur; Buenavista and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte; Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur; and Claver, Bacuag, Placer, and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte.

DA-13 has also announced plans for further distribution activities this month to reach more rice farmers. The last release of vouchers occurred on July 9, with the agency aiming to distribute a total of PHP84.3 million worth of discount vouchers across the four provinces by the end of July. This distribution effort is expected to cover approximately 42,860 hectares of rice farms.

The Caraga Region, known for its agricultural productivity, consists of five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. The voucher distribution is seen as a critical support measure to enhance rice farming in the area.