Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to utilize its PHP1 billion quick response fund (QRF) to support farmers and fisherfolk affected by rising fuel prices due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. This decision follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s declaration of a state of national energy emergency.
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. indicated that the QRF, typically reserved for natural calamities, will be used to provide a fuel subsidy for motorized fisherfolk and small commercial fishing vessels. Additionally, PHP500 million is allocated for procuring biofertilizer for farmers. The DA aims to mitigate a potential drop in productivity by securing essential fertilizers.
Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa emphasized the critical need to ensure fertilizer availability, noting the plans for replacing synthetic fertilizers with effective biofertilizer products. These plans were developed in consultation with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, regional field offices, and stakeholders. The DA's strategy addresses the anticipated increase in fertilizer prices if the Middle East tension continues.
Current fertilizer prices include urea-prilled, which ranges from PHP1,653.82 to PHP2,065.88 per 50-kilo bag, averaging PHP1,813.14. Urea-granular is priced at PHP1,806.67 per 50-kilo bag, while the complete (14-14-14) fertilizer is PHP1,696.94. The DA is enhancing government-to-government collaboration to diversify the country's fertilizer sources, despite a stable inventory, to secure a buffer stock for the next cropping season.
In addition to the QRF, the DA announced the release of PHP10 billion under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fishers (PAFF) starting April 6. This program will provide cash assistance to approximately 4.175 million registered Filipino farmers and fishers, with each beneficiary receiving PHP2,325. Most beneficiaries belong to the rice sector, followed by corn, sugar farmers, and fishers.
The DA has also approved a PHP150-million budget for a fuel subsidy program, offering PHP5,000 and PHP3,000 in fuel aid per eligible farmer and fisher, respectively. The agency plans to tap into nearly PHP100 million in unused fuel subsidy funds from 2023 to 2025 to expand the program's coverage.
