By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In his bid to ensure government funds are fully utilized, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday (2 April 2024) disclosed that the voucher system under the National Rice Program (NRP) is under review to implement changes and address issues concerning payouts.
In a statement, Tiu Laurel pointed out that the voucher system needs to be fixed “to ensure government funds are fully utilized, farmers get full benefits, and rice production is substantially increased.”
It was gathered that under the NRP, the DA distributes vouchers to farmer-beneficiaries which could be exchanged for farm inputs such as fertilizers and rice seeds at DA-accredited merchants.
However, Tiu Laurel noted that many traders refuse to honor vouchers as they have not been paid, with total payables reaching P892 million.
The Agriculture chief said some payables date as far back as 2021.
Tiu Laurel disclosed that changes to the voucher system may include secure physical vouchers that may not be duplicated.
He said this will be pilot-tested soon to ensure that farmers get the inputs needed to maximize rice yields, increase grain supply towards self-sufficiency levels, and consequently, increase farmers’ income.
(el Amigo/MNM)