DA assures farmers of support amid rising fuel costs
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. reassured farmers that the government is taking steps to ease the impact of soaring fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions, particularly for transporting highland vegetables to major markets.
Speaking during a dialogue with farmers from Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center on Wednesday, Tiu Laurel said the DA requested ₱1 billion from the Quick Response Fund (QRF), which may be released by May. In the meantime, the department can tap ₱50 million from last year’s fuel subsidy to assist farmers in mountainous areas, helping reduce transport costs for produce sent to Metro Manila.
The DA plans to start releasing the subsidy by the third week of April. Immediate interventions include logistics support for truckers and coordination with other agencies and private entities, such as expressway operators, to allow free or discounted access for trucks carrying agricultural products.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced toll rebates for public utility vehicles (PUVs) and cargo trucks passing through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and STAR Tollway. The program, initiated on March 23, is set for two months and may be extended upon review.
“These measures are all doable. We are coordinating with expressway operators and the Philippine Ports Authority to ensure food transport is not burdened by additional costs,” Tiu Laurel said.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) supplies around 85 percent of the country’s highland vegetables, most of which are delivered to Metro Manila, the Visayas, and other parts of Luzon. To support this, the DA-CAR has deployed 19 trucks to transport produce directly to buyers.
DA-CAR Regional Director Jennilyn Dawayan said Kadiwa trucks are available for farmers’ cooperatives and associations, ensuring that goods reach markets efficiently during the current crisis. Coordination with DA offices in Regions 1, 2, and 3 also helps link farmers to buyers.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that despite higher transport costs—adding roughly ₱1 per kilogram for vegetables—supply remains stable. He also confirmed that rice stocks are sufficient, noting the country is in the height of the harvest season.
“For March, we expect 1.7 million tons of palay; for April, 900,000 tons. Importations are also underway, and the National Food Authority’s reserves are almost full. There is no food shortage,” he said.
The DA continues to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to ensure farmers are supported and food supplies remain stable amid rising fuel prices.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
