9,000 Fuel Subsidy Cards Set for Distribution to Eastern Visayas Fisherfolk
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to distribute 9,000 fuel subsidy cards to fisherfolk with motorized boats in Eastern Visayas, as part of efforts to ease the impact of rising petroleum prices.
Under the government’s Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk (FDPFFP), each beneficiary will receive a fuel card worth ₱3,000, which can be used to purchase fuel at partner gasoline stations.
The distribution began earlier this month and is targeted for completion by April.
According to BFAR Regional Information Officer Cristine Gresola, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to distribute over 23,000 fuel subsidy cards to municipal fisherfolk across the region.
“The first tranche of distribution began in 2022, while the third tranche is currently underway to assist fisherfolk affected by increasing fuel prices,” Gresola said in an interview.
Data from BFAR show that more than ₱17.8 million worth of fuel assistance has already been provided to 14,341 municipal fisherfolk in Eastern Visayas.
Beneficiaries are identified through their registration in government databases, including the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), the Fisherfolk Registration System, and the Boat Registration System.
Gresola emphasized the importance of registration, urging unlisted fisherfolk to coordinate with their respective municipal agriculture offices to be included in the official database.
Fuel subsidies are distributed through cards or vouchers to ensure faster and more efficient delivery of assistance to qualified beneficiaries.
NPO News Team - Philippine News Agency - PR
