Fast-track rice programs, DA told

Programs aimed at boosting rice farmers' productivity should be accelerated by government agencies, President Marcos said, as cited by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Marcos issued the directive at a recent meeting with DA and budget officials, Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said yesterday.

"The primary directive of the President is to immediately release the fund to our rice farmers," De Mesa said.

The DA, he said, hopes the P10-billion budget allocated for the rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF) under the 2025 national budget will be released earlier than usual.