MANILA, April 16 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday expressed support for the bill seeking to extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), considering several modifications.

"Definitely, I think it should be extended. But there should be adjustments so we can adapt to the times," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

The DA chief's remarks came after Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Rosanna Vergara filed a measure to extend RCEF by six years, which was also backed by Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar.

Laurel said modification should include increased allocation for farmers' competitiveness, particularly securing post-harvest facilities and irrigation ...