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Agriculture Department seeks P1 billion more for fuel subsidies; request under budget review
The Department of Agriculture seeks P1 billion in extra fuel subsidy funds for farmers and fisherfolk. Most of the initial allocations have already been disbursed as part of broader assistance measures.
Jul 9, 3:35 AM·1m read1 source
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The Department of Agriculture is requesting P1 billion in additional funds for fuel subsidies to farmers and fisherfolk, Rappler reported. The request forms part of a P6 billion allocation for fertilizers that remains under review by the Department of Budget and Management.
DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said in a July 8 press briefing that the agency had already distributed 89% of the farmers' fuel subsidy allocation and 66% of the fishers' allocation.
“May nire-request ang DA na P1 billion,” he stated. “Ito ‘yung part ng P6 billion for fertilizer. Nasa review pa nila. ” The department recently added P25 million to the subsidies on top of the P150 million previously allocated.
These amounts fall under the P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program. Fuel subsidies and targeted financial assistance serve as immediate government responses to the Middle East crisis, Rappler reported. The United States launched strikes on Iran on Wednesday, which pushed oil prices higher.
