RICE PLANTING AID. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (left), Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. (2nd from right), and 2nd District Board Member Samson Mirhan (right) pose with one of the rice farmers who received early planting incentives on Wednesday (Feb. 15, 2023). About 1,188 rice farmers from five local government units benefit from PHP2 million in total assistance from the province. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental’s provincial government has allocated PHP2 million in early planting incentives to 1,188 rice farmers in five local government units.
Figures released on Thursday showed the distribution of assistance, set from Feb. 7 to 17, is intended for the cities of La Carlota and Cadiz, and the municipalities of Isabela and Pontevedra, as well as La Castellana, which will receive the aid on Friday.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson acknowledged the challenges faced by rice farmers amid the weather disturbances that affect their yield each year.
"I thank the rice farmers here that despite the difficulties, you did not stop planting. I hope our cooperation in this endeavor will continue," he said during the release of assistance in Cadiz City on Wednesday.
The Quick Turn-around/Early Planting Incentives Project benefits farmers engaged in early planting as support for the rice requirements of the province, particularly during the off-season.
In Isabela, the recipients included 396 farmers, who received a total assistance of PHP569,800 while in Pontevedra, 127 farmers got PHP285,400.
La Carlota City has 135 beneficiaries with PHP307,960 while Cadiz City’s 186 recipients obtained PHP310,000.
A total of 344 farmers in La Castellana will receive incentives amounting to PHP531,740. (PNA)
