The Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) is a direct cash grant program created under Republic Act No. 11598, also known as the Cash Assistance for Filipino Farmers Act, by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to support smallholder rice farmers in the Philippines. It authorizes the DA to use excess tariff revenues collected from rice importation—beyond ₱10 billion annually—as additional support for rice farmers, in response to the problem of the declining farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice) and income losses due to the liberalization of rice importation. The goal is simple: to offer ₱5,000 in cash aid from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) under RA 11203 to smallholder rice farmers tilling land ranging from 0.5 to 2 hectares as compensation for income losses due to fluctuating market conditions, especially after rice import restrictions were lifted.
If you are a rice farmer, or a distressed one at that, then you might find this program helpful. This detailed guide here will tell you everything you need to know to help you learn how to apply for the RFFA, who is eligible, how the program works, and what steps to take to claim the financial assistance.
Program Overview
After the signing of RA 11203 in 2019, rice importation became more open, leading to an influx of imported rice. This resulted in:
- Retail rice prices dropping, while farmgate palay prices plummeted more steeply
- Losses for rice farmers estimated at ₱50 billion
- Farmgate prices as low as ₱7 to ₱10 per kilo in major rice-producing provinces
In response, the government initiated the RFFA program to provide direct, unconditional financial assistance to affected farmers, helping them recover from the sudden loss in income.
Objectives
The RFFA aims to:
- Compensate rice farmers for their income loss from the price decline of palay.
- Give farmers timely access to cash for purchasing inputs like seeds and fertilizer.
- Support farmers in maintaining or improving productivity despite unstable market conditions.
Features and Benefits
Here is a list of the RFFA program benefits, specifically for eligible rice farmer-beneficiaries in the Philippines:
- ₱5,000 Direct Cash Assistance: Immediate financial relief to smallholder rice farmers affected by falling palay prices and the pandemic.
- No Collateral, No Loan: Farmers receive the cash as a grant, not a loan—no repayment required.
- Priority for Small Farmers (0.5 to 2 hectares): Focuses on helping the most vulnerable rice farmers with limited landholdings.
- Nationwide Coverage in Affected Provinces: Targets areas where palay prices dropped the most, addressing income loss where it’s felt most.
- Accessible Distribution Channels (Multiple payout options): Farmers can choose the most convenient or nearest mode of receiving cash.
- Fast-Tracked Master Listing via RSBSA: Automatic eligibility for those already registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), speeding up the process.
- Regular Monitoring and Grievance Resolution: Farmers can report issues via hotline or text center, with regional and national teams ready to respond.
- DA and LGU Coordination: Local government units assist with registration, information drives, and logistics—making access smoother for rural farmers.
- Simplified Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Process: Verification done using basic government-issued IDs—less hassle for farmers during payout.
- Multi-Year Implementation: Farmers may receive assistance more than once, depending on availability of funds and eligibility.
- Bank-Managed Disbursement (Distribution is handled by trusted government banks): Secure and traceable payouts reduce risk of corruption or delays.
- No Need for Re-Application if Already Listed: Once included in the DA’s verified master list, eligible farmers don’t have to reapply annually.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the RFFA, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered rice farmer under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
- Be cultivating 0.5 to 2 hectares of rice land.
- Reside in a province identified as significantly affected by the drop in palay prices.
Note: Only farmers listed in the verified master list from the DA and RSBSA are eligible for the RFFA.
How to Apply for the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how eligible farmers can be included in the program:
Step 1. Register with the RSBSA
To receive any form of agricultural assistance from the DA, you must be listed in the RSBSA. Here’s how to register:
- Visit your local government unit (LGU) through the Municipal or City Agriculturist Office.
- Submit the required documents, usually including:
- Any government-issued ID
- Land ownership or lease documents (if applicable)
- Barangay certification or proof of actual farming activity
- Participate in the profiling and validation process facilitated by DA-RFO and LGU representatives.
Note: Once validation is complete, your name will be included in the updated master list of eligible farmers.
Step 2. Wait for Inclusion in the RFFA Masterlist
The DA will generate a master list of verified beneficiaries using the RSBSA data. This list is transmitted to partner financial institutions like LandBank or the DBP for disbursement.
Note: If you’re listed, you may be contacted by your LGU or receive notifications via text.
Step 3. Claim Your Financial Assistance
Once approved, you can claim your ₱5,000 RFFA grant through any of the following methods:
- Cash Cards (LandBank or DBP)
- Over-the-counter payout at authorized banks
- Through conduits, including:
- Rural or cooperative banks
- Cooperatives
- TELCOs
- Accredited remittance centers
- Partner ATMs
- Other payout channels as arranged by the DA and financial institutions
Notes:
- You must bring valid identification and comply with any KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures set by the servicing financial institution.
- Claim your assistance as soon as it’s available to avoid your account being tagged as “non-moving.”
Program Implementation and Duration
The RFFA program originally launched during the transition period from 2019 to 2020, but its implementation continues annually as authorized under RA 11598. Each year, the excess rice tariff revenues above ₱10 billion are used to fund this assistance.
The program prioritizes areas hardest hit by low palay prices and income loss, based on:
- Extent of price decline
- Volume of palay production
- Market surplus
- Estimated farmer losses
Institutions Involved in RFFA Implementation
Several government agencies and institutions are working together to implement and monitor the RFFA:
- Department of Agriculture (Central Office and Regional Field Offices)
- Prepares the master list of eligible farmers.
- Allocates and disburses the RFFA funds.
- Coordinates with government financial institutions (GFIs) for payout.
- Conducts information drives and grievance handling.
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Help update the RSBSA list in local areas.
- Assist in implementation, including farmer coordination and logistics.
- Government Financial Institutions (GFIs)
- LandBank and DBP distribute the cash aid.
- Provide various payout channels for easier access.
- Submit liquidation and beneficiary reports to DA.
- Farmer-Beneficiaries
- Submit documents and follow KYC procedures.
- Must withdraw their funds promptly.
- Report issues via official RFFA hotlines.
Feedback and Grievance Mechanism
The RFFA also comes with a built-in system for addressing concerns:
- Issues are reported to the Regional Program Monitoring Team (RPCT).
- If unresolved, they are escalated to the National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT).
- A call-and-text hotline is available for real-time support and inquiries.
Important Reminders for Farmer-Beneficiaries
Here are some things to take note of:
- Always check with your LGU or DA-RFO if you’re unsure about your RSBSA registration status.
- Be wary of fraudulent agents or fixers—DA transactions are free and direct.
- Keep all official documents related to your land and DA assistance safe and updated.
- Follow announcements from the Department of Agriculture and your local LGU for updates on fund releases.
Video: RFFA Davao
The Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) is part of the government’s response to the financial distress faced by Filipino rice farmers. Funded by excess rice import tariffs, the program delivers /₱5,000 in direct cash aid to qualified smallholder farmers. To learn more about the RFFA and how this financial support for your agricultural needs can help improve your life, listen to what the actual beneficiaries say by watching this video below:
For more information, visit the official website of the Department of Agriculture or your local City/Municipal Agriculture Office.