Gov. Bong Lacson led the opening of the two-day Lakbay Palay activity spearheaded by the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice) at Brgy. Cansilayan in Murcia this morning.

The Lakbay Palay is a regular activity of PhilRice aimed at showcasing to farmers various rice production technologies and processes that would ultimately help LGUs reach rice sufficiency and supply.

A total seed allocation of 90,098 bags of seeds at 20 kilograms per bag with an estimated coverage area of 41,543 hectares was turned over ceremonially to the provincial government which will then be distributed to the farmers of the 32 local government units.

The allocation amounting to 68.4 million pesos from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Seed Program (RCEF) will be delivered by October this year to February 2024.

Gov. Lacson thanked PhilRice Negros for their support and for being a constant partner in promoting agriculture programs in the province.

Various field and exhibit tours and trainings were also prepared to more than 1,000 farmers attending the event.

Also present during the activity were PhilRice DED for Development Dr. Karen Eloisa Barroga, DED for Research Representative Dr. Hazel Alfon, RCEF PMO Directr Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, Villar Sipag Foundation Representative Arjay Venuse, Branch Director Leo Sta. Ines, Asst. Branch Director Albert Suner, and Cansilayan Brgy. Captain Alan Baliguas.*#AbanseNegrense