THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is hoping to release the P6,600 subsidy to farmers this month as it awaits the approval of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“‘Yung atin pong binibigay po ngayon na abono na P6,600 per hectare sa atin pong mga magsasaka, ‘yan po ay hindi pa po natin [ma]implement,” DA assistant secretary and deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez said on Thursday.
“This January we’re expecting itong, dry season po, mapatupad po natin ‘yan,” he added.
The DA was not able to implement the program immediately because the total budget for the P6,600 fertilizer subsidy per hectare exceeds the allowed budget that regional directors can release.
Due to this, the program needs the approval of Marcos, according to Estoperez.
“‘Yung P6,600 per hectare at maximum of two hectares ay masyadong mataas po ang budget na involved diyan na hindi na po sang-ayon sa signing authority ng regional directors,” Estoperez said.
“Hopefully, we are expecting na ma-approve ng Pangulo ‘yung P6,600 per hectare sa atin pong magsasaka, na mapirmahan na po ‘yan, nang sa ganun ma-implement na po natin,” he said.
Once approved, the DA will draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the program. (GMA Integrated News)