THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it will ask for the immediate release of its remaining P50-million fuel subsidy from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Over 14,000 farmers and 23,000 fisherfolk are expected to benefit from the fuel allowance.
Last week, Agriculture spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the DA is ready to distribute P100 million in fuel aid to farmers and fisherfolk amid anticipated oil price hikes resulting from the US-Iran war.
He noted that the DA still has P50 million more from the agency‘s P150 million total fuel allowance for 2025, which was not utilized but is valid until the end of this year.
However, the DBM has advised the DA to fully disburse the P100 million first before requesting the P50 million balance.
De Mesa told reporters late Monday that instructions have been issued to expedite the release of the P100 million. DA offices responsible for disbursing the funds have met several times regarding the matter.
The funds would be divided in half between farmers and fisherfolk, de Mesa said. Memorandum Circulars 35 and 42, issued in 2025, contain guidelines for implementing the fuel subsidy program.
Eligible farmers and fisherfolk will receive P5,000 and P3,000 each, respectively.
To qualify, farmers — regardless of the crops they cultivate — must be listed in the DA‘s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, and own or rent farming machinery.
Fishers must be in the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources‘ Fisherfolk Registration System, use a motorized boat with three gross tons or less, and have fishing gear and practices compliant with Republic Act 10654, or the amended Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
Farmers and fisherfolk who have not benefited from previous DA fuel subsidy programs will be prioritized.
The funds will be released through Intervention Monitoring Cards issued by the DA in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines and its fintech partners. The cards may be used to pay participating merchants.
Beneficiaries with no access to the cards may instead avail of vouchers from the DA.