BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 20 -- Fertilizer distribution to rice farmers resumes in the Caraga region starting April 19 - May 30, 2021. This is under the Department of Agriculture (DA) Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) II with the remaining allocation of ₱105.75 million will be distributed to the remaining 68,560 farmer-recipients in the region.

To ensure systematic and more efficient implementation of RRP II, DA-Caraga coordinated the 35 accredited merchants on April 16 to brief them on the updated guidelines on the release of fertilizers.

Ronald A. Cayomo, proprietor of Farmers Edge Agriventures, Inc. has seen the relevance of the project for the farmers at the same time for his agri-enterprise.

"RRP II is one of the best programs of the DA, I appreciated the public and private partnership initiated for the small and medium enterprises in the region. As the DA helps the farmers to increase their productivity through the use of additional inputs, the project also opened the opportunity for our business to earn as the farmers become our direct customers," said Cayomo.

DA-13 Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Rebecca R. Atega appeal to the fertilizer dealers to adhere to the approved guidelines to have a smooth process during the release.

"We are still looking for additional dealers, distributors, and Farmers' Cooperatives & Associations (FCA) to become accredited merchants under the RRP II Fertilizer Component to fast track the release of the fertilizers to farmer-recipient in the region," RTD Atega said.

"Ideally, it is better to have participating merchants per city or municipality so that farmers will have the accessibility to avail of the free fertilizers," she added.

Further, to become an accredited merchant, interested dealers and FCA's need to comply with the following requirements: Business Registration (DTI/SEC/CDA and BIR), Fertilizer & Pests Authority Certificate of Accreditation, Official Receipt, Availability of Stocks (Urea), and attendance of RRP II Program Briefing.

In the region, a total of 6 accredited merchants are situated in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, 17 in Agusan del Sur, 2 in Surigao del Norte, and 10 in Surigao del Sur. ( DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)