Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday announced its plans to expedite the release of fuel subsidies to Filipino farmers in response to the rising fuel prices caused by the ongoing tension in the Middle East.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned in a WhatsApp message that the department is currently formulating a policy and schedule for the release of the fuel subsidy, which they aim to finalize and distribute promptly. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved PHP150 million for the government's fuel subsidy program, with PHP100 million already disbursed to the DA for distribution.

Of the PHP100 million already allocated, PHP50 million is designated for farmers, while the remaining PHP50 million is earmarked for fishers. Approximately 9,700 farmers from the rice, corn, and high-value crops sectors are set to benefit from this subsidy.

The DA is also seeking the immediate release of the remaining PHP50 million balance from the DBM. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated in a phone interview that a series of meetings have been conducted to ensure the seamless and timely distribution of the fuel subsidy to affected food producers.

Once the remaining funds are made available to the DA, the number of qualified farmer beneficiaries is expected to increase to nearly 15,000 nationwide. Tiu Laurel emphasized that the release of the subsidy will be synchronized once the funds are fully prepared.

Eligible farmers, who are registered with the government's Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture and possess or rent machinery for production, can receive a PHP5,000 fuel subsidy.