The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday started its rollout of PHP5,000 cash assistance to rice farmers in Negros Oriental whose farming areas are two hectares or less.

A total of 21,000 rice farmers in this category are targeted in the province for this year, said Bernard Limbaga, agricultural program coordinating officer of the DA-Negros Oriental, during a Kapihan sa PIA forum at a local hotel here.

“The rollout started today in Canlaon City and the rice subsidy is part of the rice tariffication law through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or RCEF,” Limbaga said in mixed English and Cebuano.

“We are just hoping that the farmers will use the cash assistance for fertilizers and other farm inputs instead of buying cellphones,” he added.

The distribution of the monetary aid will be held in La Libertad on Oct. 13; Ayungon and Mabinay, Oct. 17; Tanjay City, Oct.18; and Bayawan City and Santa Catalina on Oct. 19.

Other areas for the cash assistance distribution will also be scheduled while some beneficiaries may go directly to a money courier duly accredited by the government to collect their rice subsidy in cash, Limbaga said.

Last year, around 15,000 to 16,000 farmers were identified to receive the same assistance, he added. (PNA)