DA sustains fuel aid, free inputs for Negros Oriental corn farmers
DUMAGUETE CITY – Corn farmers in Negros Oriental will continue to receive fuel subsidies and free farm inputs as part of government efforts to improve productivity and address supply concerns, the Department of Agriculture–Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) said.
According to Kent Babylonia of the DA-PATCO Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, farmers engaged in mechanized corn production are benefiting from fuel assistance, alongside the distribution of free corn seeds and fertilizers.
The support comes as the province experiences declining and inconsistent corn supply, partly due to production challenges and the anticipated effects of El Niño, which is expected to impact agricultural output this year.
Monitoring conducted by the DA-PATCO shows that several corn varieties—particularly white cob or glutinous corn, as well as white and yellow corn grits for food and feed—are currently unavailable in local markets in Dumaguete City.
Only limited varieties, such as yellow sweet corn and cracked yellow corn for feed, remain available.
The shortage has driven up prices, with cornmeal now selling at PHP70 per kilo or higher—surpassing the cost of rice in some cases.
Meanwhile, slight price increases have also been observed in fish, livestock, poultry, vegetables, and fruits, although these changes remain minimal.
Bernard Limbaga noted that current price movements are still considered insignificant. He added that while local government units and relevant authorities have the power to regulate prices when necessary, the DA’s role is limited to monitoring and reporting market conditions.
The continued assistance aims to help farmers sustain production amid rising costs and environmental challenges, while ensuring a more stable supply of corn in the province.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency -PR
