Fuel costs will get a P3 billion cushion this month as the government rolls out subsidies for about 300,000 farmers, fisherfolk and drivers transporting agricultural products.
Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said the Department of Agriculture (DA) will distribute the assistance as part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT), an administration initiative launched in March to help sectors affected by rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
The subsidy is also intended to help the agriculture sector cope with the effects of El Niño and continued high fuel prices.
Farmers and fisherfolk will receive a one-time P5,000 fuel subsidy to support the operation of agricultural machinery, including tractors and motorized bancas.
Drivers of delivery trucks hauling agricultural products will receive P2,000 weekly to help cover the cost of frequent trips transporting produce from farms to markets in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
Perez said the DA is coordinating with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to speed up the release and distribution of the subsidies through the bank’s branch and automated teller machine network.
The DA is also working on a possible toll holiday or discount for trucks transporting agricultural products.
Perez said the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is discussing the proposal with tollway operators, with the DA seeking an exemption or discount for agri-delivery trucks until Dec. 31.
“Dagdag sa fuel subsidy, mayroon po kaming inaayos na toll holiday or discount para rin sa agri truckers,” Perez said. (In addition to the fuel subsidy, we are also working on a toll holiday or discount for agri truckers.)
Perez said the TRB has already sent letters to tollway operators seeking their comments on the proposal. The DA hopes to reach an agreement within the month so the measure can take effect immediately and remain in place through the end of the year.
The latest UPLIFT assistance comes as international oil prices remain elevated. The benchmark Brent crude price reached $100 per barrel on Sept. 9, the first time since July, amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.
Farmers and fisherfolk are among the first sectors targeted for the new round of assistance because fuel accounts for a significant portion of their operating expenses, particularly for palay harvesting equipment and motorized fishing boats.
The government said the fuel subsidy is part of broader assistance aimed at cushioning vulnerable sectors from higher fuel costs and supporting agricultural production and distribution.
Photo courtesy of Metro News Central
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