The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that around 300,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural haulers will receive ₱3 billion in fuel subsidies starting this month, aiding the sector amid El Niño impacts and persistently high fuel costs.
The subsidy falls under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT), launched in March to counter oil price spikes linked to Middle East tensions. Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez confirmed the DA is partnering with the Development Bank of the Philippines to accelerate fund release via its branches and ATMs.
Eligible farmers and fisherfolk get a one-time ₱5,000 grant for mechanized equipment and motorized bancas. Delivery truck drivers receive ₱2,000 weekly to sustain farm-to-market runs across Metro Manila and the country.
Perez also disclosed discussions are underway between the Toll Regulatory Board and toll operators to waive toll fees for agricultural trucks until December 31, with the goal of rolling out the exemption this month.
This new UPLIFT assistance prioritizes farmers and fisherfolk—groups for whom fuel makes up a large share of operating costs—after Brent crude hit $100 per barrel on September 9, driven by renewed US-Iran tensions.
