Increasing price of oil and natural gas in the global market - that’s one of the domestic repercussions faced by the Philippines due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In response, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed concern over the potential impact on the agricultural sector, including the fertilizer costs, fuel for machinery, and transportation of agricultural products from the province to markets.

The agency sees the fuel subsidy distribution as an immediate response to concern if the war between the US and Iran persists.

“Ito yung immediate na pwede natin na ipamahagi sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na pwedeng maapektuhan kung sakaling magpatuloy itong problema natin,” he said

The DA has currently allocated a ₱100 million fuel subsidy for the farmers and fisherfolk.

“Sa ngayon, meron tayong ₱100 million na allocation,” he said

Under this initiative, farmers will receive ₱5,000 in a one-time subsidy, while ₱3,000 will be given to the fisherfolk.

To receive a fuel subsidy, farmers and fisherfolk must consider the following requirements recommended by DA:

Farmers

• Registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA)
• Owner or renter of agricultural machinery 

Fisherfolk

• Registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) or Fish-R (Fisheries Registration System)
• Boat with less than 3 gross tonnage

DA Asec. De Mesa assured that the next batch of subsidy distribution will be made if the ₱ 100 million is exhausted.

“So pag naubos itong 100 million, 50 million para sa farmers, 50 million para sa fishers, meron pang 50 million. Tag-25 million uli yung mga farmers and fishers natin,” he said

In the initial distribution target, the DA aims to reach 9,700 farmers and 15,800 fisherfolk.

With reports from Mia Alonzo

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