THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is currently distributing a tranche of the fuel subsidy to nearly 10,000 registered farmers and fisherfolk in Soccsksargen.
“One of the most substantial operational expenses in farming and fishing is fuel,” the DA said in a statement.
As of Sept. 27, oil companies have raised the price of fuel by a net P14.85 per liter for gasoline in the year to date. The corresponding increases in other types of fuel are P29.40 per liter for diesel, and P24.10 per liter for kerosene.
The most recent price action late last month was a decrease in the gasoline price by P1.65-P1.75, in the diesel price by P1.25, and in the kerosene price by P1.35.
Corn farmers and fisherfolk are eligible for fuel discounts of 30%, with discounts capped at P3,000, via Universal Storefront Services Corp., a local partner of the DA.
The DA said it is also actively encouraging farmers and fisherfolk in the region to modernize and boost productivity.
“To assist them, more than P49 million is set aside for corn farmers and fishermen in Soccsksargen through the fuel discount program which aims to extend assistance to farmers and fishermen who own agricultural or fishing machinery, either individually or through organizations,” it added.
A corn farmer must be registered under the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System to be eligible for the fuel subsidy.
Eligible fisherfolk must also be registered, with the upper limit of boat size set at 3 gross tons. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson