Santa Marcela , Apayao - The municipality of Santa Marcela, Apayao has been recognized by the Department of Agriculture as the most outstanding local government unit in the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program in the country in 2023.
The RCEF-Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law, which allocates a P10 billion fund every year for rice farmers.
It aims to increase the adoption of certified inbred seeds and integrated crop management through three projects: promoting and distributing certified seeds of inbred rice varieties, mobilizing and strengthening local seed production, and supporting variety development.
To assess the performance of LGUs in the country in implementing said program, DA PhilRice Philippines conducted the 2023 Annual Seed and Extension Programs Review in Muñoz City, Nueva Ecija, on February 6, 2024.
Santa Marcela was named the most outstanding LGU under the medium-scale category.
In addition to the municipality, the provincial government of Apayao was also recognized as the most outstanding province in Luzon in the small-scale category.
Other municipalities in the Cordillera region that received the same award in their respective categories were Bauko in Mt. Province and Lamut in Ifugao.
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