Philippine DA to Release Additional P25 Million Fuel Subsidy for 5,000 Farmers

The Department of Agriculture will distribute an additional P25 million in fuel subsidies to farmers facing higher fuel and fertilizer costs. The Department of Budget and Management issued a P25-million special allotment release order for the program.

DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa told reporters in Filipino on Wednesday, June 3, that the agency is waiting only for cash release and can begin distribution as soon as the funds arrive.

At least 5,000 eligible farmers can each claim P5,000 from the new allocation. The additional P25 million comes on top of the initial P150 million already allocated for fuel subsidies and the separate P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program. De Mesa said the original P150 million amount is scant.

“It’s important that this be released because farmers need this fuel subsidy now,” De Mesa said. “This is the period of land preparation and crop establishment. ” De Mesa added that the department is requesting an additional P30 billion to address the impact of problems in the Middle East, noting that Senate sessions and committee hearings had been disrupted in recent weeks by leadership changes, a shootout, and the escape of a fugitive senator.