The government is rolling out P3 billion in fuel subsidies this month for about 300,000 farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural truckers as elevated oil prices and El Niño squeeze production and distribution costs.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will distribute the aid under its Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT), a support program launched in March after a surge in global oil prices. The effort is expected to temper increases in food prices and ensure stable supply, keeping inflation in check.
Farmers and fisherfolk will receive a one-time P5,000 subsidy to help cover fuel costs for mechanized equipment, including tractors and motorized bancas. Agricultural truck drivers, meanwhile, will get P2,000 weekly for hauling produce from farms to markets in Metro Manila and other areas.
The DA is coordinating with Land Bank of the Philippines to speed up payouts through its branches and automated teller machine network.
The government is also pursuing additional relief for agricultural haulers through a proposed toll holiday or discount through Dec. 31.
Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said the Toll Regulatory Board has asked tollway operators to comment on the proposal, with the DA targeting implementation within October.
“Dagdag sa fuel subsidy, mayroon po kaming inaayos na toll holiday or discount para rin sa agri truckers,” Perez said.
The measures come as rising fuel prices add to farm and logistics costs. Brent crude breached $100 a barrel on Sept. 9 amid renewed US-Iran tensions, heightening pressure on the government to shield fuel-dependent sectors from higher operating expenses.
