DA to Release Fuel Subsidies for Farmers and Fisherfolk in April
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to distribute fuel subsidies this April to support farmers and fisherfolk grappling with massive fuel price hikes. These spikes are attributed to the ongoing fuel crisis and conflicts in the Middle East.
Breakdown of Cash Assistance
According to Director Lorna Belinda Calda of the DA’s field operations service, the government has allocated P100 million to provide immediate relief. The subsidies are targeted based on the type of equipment used:
- Farmers: Those with machinery, such as tractors, will receive P5,000 per farmer. This will benefit 14,400 farmers.
- Fisherfolk: Those with motorized fishing bancas are entitled to P3,000 per person. This will benefit 15,669 fisherfolk.
Additional Financial Support Measures
Beyond the immediate fuel subsidy, the DA is implementing further financial interventions to sustain agricultural production:
Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF)
To address the possibility of a prolonged crisis, the DA announced that P10 billion is available through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk. This fund is intended to support 4.217 million beneficiaries and is too scheduled for release in April.
Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA)
Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel has ordered the release of P7 billion from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Funds via the RFFA. Once released, this will provide P3,200 to each farmer-beneficiary.
Legislative Push for Further Aid
The Philippine Senate is actively pushing for additional fuel and fertilizer subsidies to maintain farm output. Some senators have suggested that the government could provide more funding for rice farmers by activating Section 7 of the Rice Tariffication Law.
- Timeline: All mentioned subsidies (Fuel, PAFF, and RFFA) are targeted for release in April 2026.
- Fuel Subsidy: P5,000 for machinery-owning farmers; P3,000 for motorized fisherfolk.
- Total PAFF Fund: P10 billion for over 4.2 million beneficiaries.
- Rice Support: P7 billion allocated for RFFA, providing P3,200 per beneficiary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the P5,000 fuel subsidy?
Farmers who own and operate machinery, such as tractors, are eligible for the P5,000 assistance.
Who is eligible for the P3,000 fuel subsidy?
Fisherfolk who utilize motorized fishing bancas are entitled to the P3,000 subsidy.
Why are these subsidies being released now?
The assistance is a response to the fuel crisis and price hikes triggered by conflicts in the Middle East, which have increased the cost of agricultural production and logistics.