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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Farmers' group seeks review of P6-billion allocation for rice training programs

Farmers' group seeks review of P6-billion allocation for rice training programs

Published Aug 5, 2024 08:44 am
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(MB FILE PHOTO)

A farmers’ group on Monday, August 5, called on the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) to thoroughly review the rice farmers' training programs, which have been funded with ₱1 billion annually since the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) took effect in 2019.

Under the RTL, 70 percent of the annual ₱1 billion training fund—equivalent to Php 700 million each year—has been allocated to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The remaining 30 percent is shared equally among agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA): the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

In a statement, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) suggested reallocating the funds among the relevant implementing agencies.

Raul Montemayor, the national manager of FFF, said the funds should be directed towards upgrading the training and extension programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) agencies, in accordance with the DA's strategy to improve the productivity and competitiveness of farmers.

“While TESDA can help, it has neither the capability or mandate to provide this service,” he pointed out.

“Part of the training fund should also be invested in facilities and systems that will enable concerned DA agencies to sustain their activities even after RCEF.”
 
TESDA’s main function, according to the farmers’ group, is to issue scholarship vouchers to trainees at farmers' field schools and learning sites accredited by the ATI.

It has also highlighted issues with some TESDA-designated training centers that are facing challenges in attracting farmer-enrollees, indicating a possible lack of effective training needs analysis.

Currently, COCAFM, chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar and Congressman Mark Enverga, is holding hearings on proposed amendments to the RTL.

One key item on the agenda is evaluating the utilization of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which allocates ₱10 billion annually for training and other programs for rice farmers.

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