Almost ten (10) thousand farmers and fisherfolk in Batangas Province will receive a total of P81.13 million, through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) FY 2022 and the Fuel Discount Program for Corn Farmers and Fisherfolk of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar led the program roll-out at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum on May 25, 2022.

He also announced that the DA-CALABARZON Regional Field Office led by Assistant Secretary for Operations and Regional Director Arnel De Mesa has alloted P617.53 million for various agri-fishery interventions in Batangas Province.

Secretary Dar recognized the farmers and fisherfolk as food heroes with a critical role in ensuring the country’s food security amid the looming food crisis.

The program launch was also attended by Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Noel Reyes, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Sammy Malvas, Farmer-Director Pedrito Kalaw, Batangas 4th District Representative Lianda Bolilia, and 5th District Representative Mario Vittorio Mariño. ### (Department of Agriculture – Philippines, FB)