Santa Marcela, Apayao gets RCEF recognition as most outstanding municipality in Cordillera

Santa Marcela, Apayao - The Municipal Government of Santa Marcela added another feather to its cap after clinching the Excellence Award as the Most Outstanding Municipality in Cordillera under the Medium-Scale Category, bestowed by the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).

The recognition, made possible by the Municipal Agriculture Office's effective implementation of various programs in rice production, was given to the municipality during the RCEF Awards Recognition of Partners on February 8, 2024, at the DA-Philippine Research Institute Central Experiment Station, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Headed by Municipal Agriculturist Franklin Abad, the municipality earned the recognition for its outstanding implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund - Seed Program, as evidenced by efficient seed supply and distribution targets to farmers throughout the 2023 wet and dry seasons.

In an interview, Abad revealed that the office had already supplied 3,611 bags of seedlings to 1,297 rice farmers during the 2023 wet and dry seasons. This project had a significant impact on the production of Santa Marcela farmers.

In her statement, Mayor Evelyn Martinez underlined the importance of boosting the agriculture sector because it will not only stimulate economic development in the municipality but will also increase the competitiveness and income of rice farmers. She also commended the DA, emphasizing its adequate assistance for local farmers.

The RCEF program is a component of Republic Act 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law, and it allocates specific funds to rice farmers each year. The RCEF program is led by DA-PhilRice, the government's primary agency for rice research and development, which is responsible for ensuring the country's rice security.