Caraga: As of June this year, 5,570 fisherfolk in the Caraga Region have received their fuel discount cards through the Fuel Assistance to Fisherfolk Program (FAFP) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-13).

According to Philippines News Agency, over PHP16.7 million in subsidies have been released during the first half of the year, with each card containing PHP3,000 in fuel subsidy. "The FAFP forms part of the government's continuing efforts to cushion the impact of increasing fuel prices on the municipal fishing sector," BFAR-13 said in a statement Friday.

The subsidy program enables fisherfolk to continue venturing into fishing grounds, sustain household incomes, and maintain a steady supply of fish for local communities, the agency added. BFAR-13 also noted a 356 increase in the number of beneficiaries this year compared to the 5,208 fisherfolk who received fuel subsidies in 2025.

To ensure that fuel subsidy cards were distributed to qualified beneficiaries, BFAR-13 formed teams to carry out distribution activities across the region. The distribution activities were concluded on June 21, BFAR-13 reported.