Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) assured on Monday the timely and intensified provision of interventions for farmers and fishers amid rising fuel costs and ongoing market disruptions. Leading the response are fuel subsidies, expanded Kadiwa market linkages, truck deployments for hauling, and strengthened coordination with government agencies and private partners.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA regional field office in the Cordillera Administrative Region has recently deployed Kadiwa food trucks to assist local farmers. It has also accelerated market mapping to identify the most affected areas, extended financial aid to farmers, and initiated integrated farming systems to diversify livelihoods. For fishers, the DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, has allocated PHP75 million in fuel assistance for more than 15,000 fishermen, with additional funds set to expand the program under the Presidential Assistance Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk.
In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that these interventions are part of directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help Filipino food producers remain 'productive and resilient' despite the ongoing challenges brought by the crisis in the Middle East. 'These initiatives are designed not only to provide timely relief through fuel subsidies and logistics support, but also to strengthen our food systems by improving supply chain efficiency and expanding direct market access,' he said.
The DA highlighted the timely deployment of Kadiwa trucks, particularly as vegetable farmers in Benguet and neighboring provinces face 'oversupply and weak market absorption,' with an estimated 590 metric tons (MT) of highly perishable produce needing immediate market intervention. From March to early April alone, intensified Kadiwa selling activities and trade fairs have generated more than PHP1.3 million.
The agency has also deployed trucks for hauling and assistance in farm-to-market deliveries of agricultural products, with 38 trucks requested to be given to Farmers Cooperative and Association (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs). These would augment the five Kadiwa trucks being utilized at the DA regional field office in CAR should the need arises.
Furthermore, the DA has intensified partnerships with other government agencies and the private sector to streamline logistics assistance to farmers, including 'pasabay' or shared transport arrangements. These collaborations include the Office of the Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection, among others.
'Under the guidance of President Marcos Jr., we are implementing immediate and sustained interventions to assist our farmers and fisherfolk in overcoming the challenges brought about by the energy emergency,' Tiu Laurel stated.
