Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday that an additional PHP25 million fuel subsidy may soon be released to assist farmers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the release follows the Department of Budget and Management's (DBM) issuance of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the fund. This initiative aims to mitigate the effects of increasing fuel costs on local food production. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa explained in a press conference that there was a prior PHP150 million allocation, and the DBM has now provided an additional PHP25 million.
De Mesa stated that approximately 5,000 eligible farmers stand to receive a PHP5,000 fuel subsidy this month, coinciding with the start of the planting season. In addition to the fuel subsidy, De Mesa confirmed the completion of the PHP10 billion Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) distribution.
The PAFF benefitted around 4.175 million farmers and fishers, with a majority from the rice sector, totaling 2.197 million recipients. The assistance also covered 1.475 million corn producers, over 102,000 sugar farmers, and about 399,000 fishers nationwide.
