The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has initiated a significant support program for rice farmers by distributing PHP222.1 million in fertilizer discount vouchers. The program kicked off on January 22, 2025, in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, where 217 local rice farmers received PHP1.2 million in seed vouchers. This initiative is part of the broader effort to enhance rice cultivation during the 2024-2025 dry cropping season, specifically targeting 244 hectares in San Francisco.
DA-13 plans to extend the distribution to cover approximately 74,470 hectares with the fertilizer vouchers. In the upcoming weeks, the agency will also distribute PHP48.8 million in seed vouchers for 9,692 hectares, PHP45.4 million in biofertilizer vouchers for 26,435.4 hectares, PHP50.4 million in soil ameliorant vouchers, and PHP11.6 million in drone vouchers. These efforts are designed to bolster agricultural productivity across the region.
Further distribution events are scheduled in the coming months, as DA-13 continues its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in Caraga.