DA ramps up aid for Cordillera farmers amid rising fuel costs, market challenges
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) office, has intensified support measures to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising fuel prices and ongoing market disruptions.
Key interventions include fuel subsidies, expanded Kadiwa market linkages, deployment of transport trucks, and closer coordination with government agencies and private sector partners.
The DA-CAR has also stepped up market mapping efforts to pinpoint the most affected areas, extended financial assistance, and promoted integrated farming systems to diversify income sources. At the same time, longer-term initiatives—such as cold storage facilities, processing centers, and affordable preservation technologies—are being rolled out to reduce post-harvest losses.
Fisherfolk have been particularly affected by the surge in fuel costs, with many forced to cut back or temporarily halt fishing operations, impacting both income and fish supply.
To ease the burden, the DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, has allocated ₱75 million in fuel assistance for over 15,000 fishermen. Additional funding is expected under the Presidential Assistance Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk to further expand the subsidy.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the measures align with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect the agriculture sector from the effects of the ongoing energy crisis.
He emphasized that the initiatives are intended not only to provide immediate relief through fuel and logistics support, but also to strengthen food systems by improving supply chains and expanding direct market access.
The DA aims to keep farmers and fisherfolk productive and resilient while ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for consumers.
Meanwhile, vegetable farmers in Benguet and nearby areas continue to face oversupply and weak market demand, compounded by high transport costs.
Due to the perishable nature of vegetables, delays in distribution often result in spoilage and income losses. The DA-CAR estimates that around 590 metric tons of produce currently need urgent market intervention.
To address this, the agency has intensified Kadiwa sales and trade fairs, generating over ₱1.3 million in revenue from March to early April. It has also mobilized trucks from farmers’ cooperatives, local government units, and DA fleets to support hauling operations, alongside coordination with other government agencies for shared transport arrangements.
Further efforts include identifying new institutional buyers, relaunching promotional campaigns, and providing additional fuel support. The DA is also exploring livestock projects as part of integrated farming systems to help stabilize farmers’ incomes.
While some groups have suggested imposing a minimum price for vegetables, the DA has opted against it due to concerns over market distortion. Instead, it is focusing on improving logistics, strengthening farm-to-market coordination, and investing in technologies that extend product shelf life—measures aimed at ensuring both farmer sustainability and a steady food supply.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
