LGU Tinglayan starts distribution of 336 bags RCEF rice seeds

Tinglayan, Kalinga – The Local Government of Tinglayan through the Office of the Municipal Agricultural Services (OMAS) has started the distribution of 336 bags of rice seeds (20kgs) from the Department of Agriculture through its Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program.

28 farmers who are listed in the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture and those who are active in farming have already received their seeds as of Monday, May 31, 2021.

The distribution, however, is limited only to the barangays that are not planting Tinglayan’s main produce, the Unoy rice as farmers in the municipality intend to maintain their traditional or organic way of producing their heirloom rice.

The LGU also discouraged other barangays to avail of the program as this will affect the production of said variety of rice. Tinglayan Municipality is known for their “Unoy festival”.

“Open for all met kitdi ngem haan ngamin mabalin dagidiay barangay nga specifically for heirloom rice cultivation, which is kaaduan iti Upper Tinglayan, dagituy ti barangay Basao, Dananao, Tulgao East and West,” Larae Lactao of the Municipal Information Office said.

“Mostly nga ag-receive ket lower Tinglayan like Sumadel I and II, Belong Man-Ubal, and Bangad tribe,” she added.

The LGU, Lactao informed, calls for farmers specifically on non-heirloom rice producers to enlist their names to OMAS as listing by said office is not yet completed.

As recalled, 40 representatives in all barangays in Tinglayan have been oriented on May 21, 2021 regarding RCEF.

Attendees were then taught on the different characteristics of rice seeds which include Adaptability, Agronomic Characteristic, Grain Quality, and Pest and Disease Resistance.

The LGU claimed that the municipality has been experiencing low rice production, leading to an increase of demand and shortage of supply which urged them to focus their attention on rice production. This includes the production of heirloom rice.

RCEF Coordinator Andres Dela Cruz Jr. said that one solution is the utilization of farmers to the certified inbred seeds to sustain the production while farmers wait for heirloom rice’s harvest which generally takes 6-9 months.

Mayor Sacrament Gumilab, during the program, encouraged anew his constituents to continue cultivating their rice farms since this brings food to the table, and that the town will have to uphold its name as the top producer of the well-known Kalinga unoy rice.

"Certainly, it is beneficial to have a degree, however it should not be an excuse to leave behind our roots, our farms. Let us set aside our misconception that mud is dirty because it is far from the truth. From mud, we acquire our food. Through mud, we grasp our dreams." he said.

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