Iloilo: Farmers and vulnerable sectors in Iloilo are set to benefit from government programs highlighted in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 5th State of the Nation Address, including rice assistance and aid for farmers affected by calamities. Iloilo Provincial Agriculturist Officer-in-Charge Geron Magbanua stated that the province is preparing to implement its rice support program funded through the Local Government Support Fund - Financial Assistance to Local Government Units.
According to Philippines News Agency, the national government has allocated PHP299 million to procure rice directly from farmers through the Sagip Saka Act. An estimated PHP5 million to PHP6 million has been allocated to each municipality to enhance their rice support program for vulnerable sectors. Magbanua explained that the provincial government will purchase rice from farmers' cooperatives and distribute the stocks through local government units. The program prioritizes purchasing locally produced rice sourced directly from farmers, with assistance provided in the form of rice.
Magbanua outlined that beneficiaries will receive an additional 10 kg of rice every two months, with the province planning to release supplies next month through six tranches. Last year, approximately 1 million kg of rice were distributed under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na! Program, offering a PHP6.50 subsidy per kg. This year, the initiative is fully subsidized by the national government, with the provincial government ensuring that requesting municipalities can avail of the program.
Further assistance is being provided to farmers affected by El Ni±o through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk, while those impacted by Typhoons Tino and Basyang received aid from the Office of the President's special assistance fund. Magbanua commended the national government for prioritizing assistance to farmers who suffered the most significant losses and mentioned additional support from the provincial government for those who do not qualify for national aid. More than 100,000 farmers in Iloilo are registered under the Registry System for Basic Agriculture.
