The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing a fuel subsidy program for farmers and fisherfolk to help reduce the transport and production expenses of farm and fishery production.
Being eyed for implementation by the DA is the “Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program,” as provided under Special Provision No. 20 of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 or Republic Act (RA) 11639.
“We sincerely thank President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the honorable members of the Senate and House of Representatives for approving the fuel subsidy program that appropriates P500 million for the fuel subsidy program that will benefit millions of Filipino farmers, fishers and consumers nationwide,” DA chief William Dar said.
“The fuel discount will definitely help reduce the production and transport costs of major farm and fishery products, and subsequently temper their respective market prices, thus benefiting producers and consumers alike,” he added.
The 2022 GAA Special Provision No. 20 on the fuel subsidy program states that the amount shall be used to provide fuel discount to farmers and fisherfolk when the average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) for three (3) months reaches or exceeds US$80 per barrel.
The resolution provided that the farmer or fisherfolk beneficiary owns and operates an agricultural and fishery machinery individually or through a farmer organization, cooperative or association.
It adds further that in the case of fisherfolk, their fishing vessels are registered in the Integrated Boat Registry System or DA-BFAR BOATR.
Finally, that for the farm machinery owned and/or operated by individual farmers or farmers’ organization, proof of ownership shall be provided.