BFAR-6 to roll out fuel subsidy for Western Visayas fishers amid rising oil prices
ILOILO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Western Visayas (BFAR-6) is set to release fuel subsidies this month to an initial batch of 1,698 fisherfolk as fuel prices continue to climb.
BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Aparri said the program, implemented under the Department of Agriculture, aims to benefit nearly 3,000 fishers across the region.
Each qualified beneficiary will receive PHP3,000 worth of fuel subsidy, which can be directly claimed at designated gasoline stations accredited by BFAR in their respective provinces.
The selection of recipients is being carried out in coordination with local government units, with priority given to fisherfolk from fifth- and sixth-class municipalities.
To qualify for the assistance, beneficiaries must be registered under key government systems, including the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, the Fisherfolk Registration System, and the National Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration.
Aparri noted that the fuel subsidy initiative is not new, as BFAR-6 has been implementing similar support programs since 2022, including the distribution of fuel vouchers and cards. This year alone, around 1,600 beneficiaries are already lined up for assistance as part of the continuing program.
She added that the subsidy rollout comes amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have contributed to rising fuel costs, further affecting the fishing sector.
Meanwhile, BFAR-6 continues to monitor the prices of key fishery products in the region. Aparri said there has been no significant price movement so far, and supply remains stable.
She also personally oversees monitoring activities at the Estancia Fish Port, one of the major fish ports in Iloilo, noting that current market conditions show steady prices and adequate supply.
Despite stable prices, some commercial fishers have temporarily reduced operations due to limited market demand, reflecting the current absorptive capacity of the market.
