By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed a law amending the Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA) to ensure that farmers gain steady access to resources and interventions as well as to make the Philippine rice industry more competitive.
During the ceremonial signing in Malacañang, the President stressed the role of agriculture as the “backbone” of the economy, highlighting the need for modernization and improved infrastructure, among others.
“These obstacles also present valuable opportunities to innovate, to grow, and to build a more resilient future for our families and for the country,” he said.
Republic Act (RA) No. 12078, or the Amendments to Agricultural Tariffication Act, will extend the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increase its funding from P10 billion to P30 billion annually.
“With the expiration of the original six-year plan for RCEF fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to extend and strengthen the program,” the Chief Executive said, noting that the Fund has allowed the government to invest in high-quality seeds and mechanization.
The additional funding would also be used to support priority projects such as training and extension services, financial assistance to rice farmers tilling up to two hectares of land, expanded rice credit assistance, composting facilities for biodegradable wastes, pest and disease management, soil health improvement, farming support programs on contract farming, and establishment of solar-powered irrigation systems.
The law, according to the President, would also help reduce post-harvest losses by preventing wastage of up to 375,000 tons of milled rice annually, which could help feed an additional 3.4 million individuals each year for the next six years.
In line with this, the regulatory function of the Department of Agriculture will also be bolstered to allow stricter supervision of the Rice Industry’s systems and its policies and combat hoarding, price manipulation, and other market abuses that lead to price spikes.
The Bureau of Plant Industry will be strengthened to conduct stronger inspection and monitoring of warehouses and agricultural facilities to track grain storage.
The law also mandates the National Food Authority (NFA) to maintain rice buffer stocks sourced exclusively from local farmers, ensuring both food security and livelihood support for the agricultural sector.
“By increasing investments in agriculture, providing more resources, and creating a more competitive rice industry, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more self- sufficient Philippines,” the President said.
Landmark measure to empower Filipino farmers
Senate President Francis Escudero said that through the law, Filipino farmers would receive more support through the provision of farm machinery and equipment and free distribution of high quality seeds, among other interventions.
“Kailangan palakasin ang suporta sa ating mga magsasaka para makamit natin ang hangarin na makapag-ani ng mas marami pang bigas at mapababa ang presyo nito para sa ating mga mamamayan,” Escudero said.
Mahalaga para sa lahat ng Pilipino ang bigas kung kaya tinugunan ng Senado ang pagpasa ng mga batas tulad nito para makamit natin ang hangarin na ito,” he added.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, emphasized that the amending law underscores the government’s “commitment to building a stronger, more resilient” nation through addressing rising prices, food security, and the welfare of farmers.
The Speaker also lauded the President for the swift passage of the measure as it would help tackle inflation, particularly in rice.
“Malinaw ang mensahe ng Pangulo: walang Pilipinong dapat magutom o maghirap dahil sa mataas na presyo ng bigas. Ang batas na ito ay sagot sa matagal nang hiling ng ating mga magsasaka at mamimili,” Romualdez said.
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