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Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star
March 23, 2026 | 12:00am
In a statement yesterday, the DA said it secured a P50-million sub-allotment, which was released after global oil prices surpassed the $80-per-barrel threshold.
Philstar.com / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rolling out a P5,000 subsidy to 9,570 farmers who rely on mechanized equipment, helping cushion the impact of surging fuel prices.
In a statement yesterday, the DA said it secured a P50-million sub-allotment, which was released after global oil prices surpassed the $80-per-barrel threshold.
The assistance aims to offer timely relief as escalating tensions in the Middle East have driven up fuel prices, pushing production and transport costs higher in the farm sector.
Eligibility, however, remains limited as the government continues to explore additional funding to expand coverage.
“We will continue to look for resources to extend greater assistance to our farmers and fisherfolk – our food producers who are among those most affected by this geopolitical conflict that we are not part of,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
While the P50-million subsidy provides short-term relief, the DA acknowledged that it covers only a small fraction of the sector’s exposure to fuel price volatility.
Mechanized farmers remain heavily affected, as diesel accounts for a significant share of their operating costs during planting and harvest seasons.
Since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, fuel prices have jumped by about P50 per liter, pushing diesel beyond the P100 mark. After five trading days on the Mean of Platts Singapore, an industry source indicated a potential increase of P16.50 to P17.50 per liter for diesel prices next week.
Tiu Laurel said the cash assistance will be limited to eligible farmers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
A separate fuel subsidiary for fisherfolk is being disbursed for over 10,000 beneficiaries.
Each qualified beneficiary receives a one-time P3,000 subsidy.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also awaiting the signing of a supplemental agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines, which is expected to unlock an additional P50 million for around 15,000 municipal fisherfolk.
Assistance is released through cash cards for those with access to fuel stations, while cash vouchers are issued in remote areas to ensure no one is left behind.
The BFAR has vowed to continue nationwide fuel assistance for fisherfolk using remaining funds from last year to prevent any disruptions.
BFAR is also awaiting the signing of a supplemental agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines, which is expected to unlock an additional P50 million for around 15,000 municipal fisherfolk.
“We are moving promptly to ensure assistance reaches them without delay because keeping our fishing boats running means keeping food on Filipino tables and sustained livelihoods for our fishers,” Tiu Laurel said. — Josiah Antonio
