The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring additional funding sources to provide fuel subsidies to more farmers and fisherfolk across the country.
DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the agency is studying whether part of the P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) can be used to increase the budget for the one-time fuel subsidy. The fund is originally meant to give P10,000 cash aid to farmers and fishers during calamities, based on the 2026 national budget.
De Mesa said the DA is reviewing whether the current global situation affecting fuel prices can qualify for the use of the fund. If approved, the release of assistance from PAFFP may happen by the second or third quarter of the year.
The DA is also considering about P150 million in previously unused fuel subsidy funds that are currently held by the Development Bank of the Philippines. Instead of returning the money to the national treasury, the agency is studying whether it can be retained and distributed to farmers and fisherfolk.
If approved, assistance from this source could be released within the month.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is expected to begin issuing fuel vouchers as early as next week, while fuel subsidies loaded onto intervention cards may be released within two weeks. For farmers, the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering is coordinating with the bank for distribution within the same period.
Earlier, the DA secured P100 million for fuel subsidies and requested an additional P50 million from the Department of Budget and Management.
Around 15,000 farmers and 28,000 fisherfolk nationwide are eligible for the subsidy. Beneficiaries include those who own or rent agricultural or fishing equipment and those registered under the government’s agriculture registry.
Meanwhile, the DA reported a 10 percent increase in the prices of galunggong and pork liempo, mainly due to higher transport costs. As of March 11, average retail prices in Metro Manila were P313.57 per kilo for local galunggong, P302.86 for imported galunggong, P379.59 for local pork liempo, and P312.77 for imported pork liempo. Despite these increases, the agency said most food prices remain generally stable.
