The Department of Agriculture (DA) will begin distributing fuel subsidies to farmers and fisherfolk this April 2026 in response to rising fuel costs affecting the agriculture sector.
During a Senate hearing, DA Field Operations Service Director Lorna Calda said the subsidy rollout will start within the month as part of the government’s efforts to ease production expenses.
The agency has allocated around ₱100 million for fuel assistance, with 14,400 farmers set to receive ₱5,000 each and 15,669 fisherfolk to get ₱3,000 each.
In addition, the DA is set to distribute ₱10 billion under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk program, benefiting about 4.17 million individuals with ₱2,325 each.
Furthermore, officials said the assistance aims to cushion the impact of increasing fuel prices, which have significantly raised farming and fishing operational costs.
Calda also noted that the agency is requesting the release of additional funds, including the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program and Rice Farmers Financial Assistance, which would provide further financial support to rice farmers.
However, the DA emphasized that the timely release of funds is crucial to ensure that aid reaches beneficiaries amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
The subsidy program forms part of broader government efforts to protect food producers and maintain stable food supply despite global oil price volatility.
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