CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has started rolling out the fuel subsidy for fisherfolk and corn farmers in Central Luzon.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar, who witnessed the start of the distribution of fuel discount cards to qualified corn farmers and fisherfolk in Subic, Zambales on Monday, said the move aims to help reduce the production and transport costs of major farm and fishery products.
“You, here in Subic, Zambales, are blessed because we will start here the roll-out of the distribution of the fuel subsidy discount card to qualified fishermen and farmers,” Dar said during the live streamed event.
The fuel discount vouchers are primarily for farmers using machinery in corn production from land preparation to postharvest activities, and for fishermen who own motorized boats registered with the “FishR” of the DA’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
In partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines and Universal Storefront Services Corporation, more than 200 eligible beneficiaries initially received their PHP3,000 worth of fuel subsidy cards.
Soledad Garinga, a fisherfolk from Olongapo City who received a fuel discount card for her motorized boat, thanked the DA for helping them.
She said the fuel discount card amounting will cushion their fishing expenses.
“This is a big help for us because of the fuel discount, our expenses will be lessened once we go out fishing. We are thankful to the DA because of this fuel discount card that they distributed),” she said in Filipino.
More than 6,000 qualified fishermen and corn farmers in the region stand to benefit from the fuel subsidy. (PNA)