FARMERS SUPPORT. Rice farmers in Piddig town, Ilocos Norte province receive a total of PHP9,765,000 this week from the government's Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. The amount benefited a total of 1,953 rice farmers. (Photo courtesy of Piddig LGU) LAOAG CITY - Financial assistance worth PHP9,765,000 was handed to 1,953 rice farmers in Piddig, Ilocos Norte province as part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Piddig town Mayor Georgina Guillen confirmed this on Wednesday as she expressed gratitude to the Marcos administration for prioritizing the needs of farmers and for giving them hope in the middle of a crisis. "Thank you for the support of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and to the national government and other stakeholders for supporting and inspiring our farmers. Together, we shall achieve sustainable and inclusive rural development," she said. Farmers here said the goals of the Masagana 150 and Masagana 200