Sarrat: A total of 955 farmers in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte received fuel subsidies from the municipal government on Tuesday. 'The fuel subsidy is meant to help our farmers cope with the rising cost of fuel and agricultural inputs,' municipal agriculturist Esteban Ballesteros said Tuesday during the continuation of the distribution of fuel vouchers to farmer groups.

According to Philippines News Agency, most of the beneficiaries are farmers of native and Virginia-type tobacco. Funded by the municipal government's share from the tobacco excise tax, the fuel subsidy was distributed through vouchers redeemable at the Baggak Multi-Purpose Cooperative gasoline station.

A total of 839 farmers belonging to Zanjera organizations each received PHP1,500 worth of fuel subsidies. Meanwhile, 90 native tobacco farmers cultivating about 52 hectares received PHP7,000 worth of fuel vouchers, while 26 Virginia tobacco farmers tilling 18.65 hectares received PHP20,000 each.

The fuel subsidy distribution was in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to assist sectors most affected by fuel price hikes, including farmers. Meanwhile, the provincial government also began distributing cash assistance to the public transport sector. On Tuesday, 999 jeepney drivers and operators received PHP2,500 each, along with food packs containing grocery items at Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.