Philippines to Provide P510 Million in Fuel Subsidies to 160,000 Farmers

Manila — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to distribute approximately PHP 510.447 million in fuel subsidies to around 160,000 farmers across the Philippines. This financial support is aimed at helping crop, livestock, and poultry farmers who use machinery in their farming operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the subsidy will be provided through assistance cards from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) during the months of August and September. “The distribution will commence once the average monthly price of Dubai crude oil reaches USD 80 per barrel, a stipulation set under the 2024 General Appropriations Act,” de Mesa explained. He added that the market has consistently recorded oil prices above this threshold, with figures ranging from USD 78.48 to USD 86.50 per barrel from June 3 to July 1.

The DA’s initiative aligns with comments from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers to achieve the country’s food security targets. “This fuel subsidy is just one of several assistance projects provided by the Marcos administration to alleviate the burdens faced by our farmers, who are the unsung heroes of our economy and the cornerstone of our food security objectives,” Laurel stated.

The fuel subsidy program is designed to directly benefit farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors of Agriculture, ensuring that aid reaches those who are most in need and can immediately utilize the support for their agricultural activities.