Fishermen get fuel subsidy; MPTC, SMC give toll rebates

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) has extended the P50 million fuel subsidy to over 10,000 fishermen to cushion the impact of surging global oil prices on their production.

- ADA PELONIA

At the same time, the two biggest tollways operators, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and San Miguel Corp., have offered rebates to public utility vehicles and cargo trucks using their expressways.

The budget forms part of the P150 million allocated to the Department of Agriculture (DA) in its previous year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) to disburse to farmers and fisherfolk for fuel assistance.

Of this, P100 million has been released to the DA, with Bfar as the implementing agency for the disbursement of P50 million to fishermen. The remaining will be allotted to farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government would not allow external shocks to derail the livelihood of small-scale fishers.

“Global fuel volatility should not come at the expense of our fisherfolk’s survival,” Tiu Laurel said.

“We are moving promptly to ensure assistance reaches them without delay because keeping our fishing boats running means keeping food on Filipino tables and sustained livelihoods for our fishers.”

Under the program, every qualified fisherman receives a onetime P3,000 subsidy released through cash cards for those with access to fuel stations, while cash vouchers are issued in remote areas.

More than 10,000 fishermen nationwide have served as beneficiaries for the fuel subsidy program, which will run from March 16 to 26.