Philippines: New agriculture chief wants audit of ₱4-B farmer fund from rice imports Metro
2019.09.04
New Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Tuesday said he wants an acccounting of ₱4 billion in funds released to assist rice farmers.
The amount is part of the ₱5 billion the Department of Budget and Management released in December 2018 to complement the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. This fund will be used to provide farmers assistance in the form of tools, equipment, credit assistance, irrigation support, and support in research and development.
Senator Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, earlier raised concern over the disbursed fund as only ₱1 million went to the RCEF. The RCEF should have ₱10 billion under the Rice Tarrification Law enacted in February.
New Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Tuesday said he wants an acccounting of ₱4 billion in funds released to assist rice farmers.
The amount is part of the ₱5 billion the Department of Budget and Management released in December 2018 to complement the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. This fund will be used to provide farmers assistance in the form of tools, equipment, credit assistance, irrigation support, and support in research and development.
Senator Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, earlier raised concern over the disbursed fund as only ₱1 million went to the RCEF. The RCEF should have ₱10 billion under the Rice Tarrification Law enacted in February.
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