AROUND 300,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and drivers hauling agricultural produce will receive a combined ₱3 billion in fuel assistance starting this month, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to cushion the agriculture sector against the impacts of El Niño and surging fuel costs.
Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez announced that the distribution will be managed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the administration’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) framework.
Launched in March, the UPLIFT program aims to mitigate high oil prices driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which recently pushed benchmark Brent crude oil up to $100 per barrel.
To ensure swift delivery, the DA is partnering with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to process and disburse funds efficiently through its branch network and automated teller machines.
Under the relief package, individual farmers and fisherfolk will receive a one-time subsidy of ₱5,000 to cover fuel costs for agricultural machinery, including tractors, palay harvesters, and motorized fishing bancas.
Meanwhile, delivery-truck drivers transporting farm produce to Metro Manila and regional markets will receive a weekly fuel subsidy of ₱2,000 to maintain steady food supply lines.
In addition to direct cash grants, the government is pursuing extra cost-cutting measures for agricultural transport.
Perez noted that the Toll Regulatory Board is coordinating with private tollway operators to secure a toll holiday or discount for agri-delivery trucks running through December 31.
“In addition to the fuel subsidy, we are working on a toll holiday or discount for agri truckers,” Perez said in Tagalog, adding that formal letters have been sent to operators in hopes of implementing the measure within the month.
By prioritizing fuel relief and logistics support, the government aims to lower operational overhead for food producers and stabilize farm-to-market prices nationwide.