In a significant boost to local agriculture, the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has distributed PHP5.5 million in discount vouchers to rice farmers in Madrid, Surigao del Sur. The distribution took place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, and included 2,624 vouchers that will benefit 2,888 hectares of rice fields. These vouchers provide subsidies for essential farming inputs such as fertilizer, bio-fertilizer, and soil ameliorant, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
DA-13 has also outlined plans to extend this support to other towns in Surigao del Sur over the next two months. The agency has allocated a total of PHP8.2 million for seed discount vouchers covering 1,650 hectares, PHP51 million for fertilizer vouchers covering 15,024 hectares, PHP6.9 million for bio-fertilizer vouchers covering 6,967 hectares, and PHP11.6 million for soil ameliorant vouchers covering 10,450 hectares across the province. Additionally, PHP2.9 million has been set aside for drone discount vouchers to aid 1,450 hectares of rice fields.
In a parallel effort, the local government of Claver, Surigao del Norte, has distributed over PHP1.5 million in vouchers to 345 rice farmers. These vouchers, which include PHP840,381 for fertilizer, PHP433,767 for bio-fertilizer, and PHP294,473 for soil ameliorant, are part of a broader initiative to support local agriculture. Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee emphasized the critical role of these vouchers in supporting farmers and enhancing the region’s agricultural output.