DA to release P25M more in fuel subsidies for farmers

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to release an additional P25 million in fuel subsidies to farmers grappling with higher fuel and fertilizer costs.

This is on top of the initial P150 million in fuel subsidy and the P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.

“The Department of Budget and Management released a P25-million special allotment release order for farmers’ subsidy,” DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa told reporters in Filipino on Wednesday, June 3.

According to De Mesa, the DA is only waiting for cash release and can distribute as soon as possible. At least 5,000 eligible farmers can each claim P5,000 with this additional funding.

“It’s important that this be released because farmers need this fuel subsidy now,” De Mesa explained. “This is the period of land preparation and crop establishment. This is the time when they operate many machineries in their fields.”

De Mesa said the initial P150 million for fuel subsidy is scant. “We are requesting… if only the hearings continued… we are requesting additional P30 billion for this problem in the Middle East,” he said.

Sessions and committee hearings in the Senate had been disrupted in the past weeks due to leadership changes, shootout, and the escape of a fugitive senator. – Rappler.com