THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has authorized the release of P6.2 billion in farm and fuel assistance to help farmers and fisherfolk prepare for the expected El Niño, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the DA received the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) on Sept. 9. A SARO gives an agency authority to commit government funds for specified programs.
The funding was approved under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (Uplift) program.
Of the total, P2.2 billion will be used for biofertilizer assistance. Fuel assistance of P1 billion each will be provided to farmers and fisherfolk, while another P1 billion will go to agricultural transport fuel subsidies. The remaining P1 billion will fund presidential assistance to farmers and fisherfolk.
De Mesa did not say when the distribution of aid would begin.
The DA has also asked the DBM for P3.5 billion under Uplift to finance solar-powered irrigation systems nationwide.
De Mesa said the funding would focus on areas near major tributaries targeted by the agency. The DA hopes the corresponding SARO will be issued in the fourth quarter.
The requested amount is separate from the P5 billion the DA is seeking under the 2027 proposed national budget for small-scale solar irrigation projects. The systems are intended to help farms cope with drought by using solar energy to pump water for irrigation.
