Caraga: The continuing implementation of the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Program in the Caraga Region will directly benefit some 1,329 farmers at PHP5,000 each, the Department of Agriculture in the area (DA-13) reported.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA-13 has allocated PHP6.3 million for the program, with its implementation running from July 29 to Sept. 4. "Two releases were already facilitated under the program - on July 29 in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, and in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, on Aug. 6," data from the DA indicated.

A total of 208 beneficiaries from Kitcharao and 542 from San Agustin have already received their fuel subsidy cards during the separate distribution activities, it added. "The program aims to ease the operational and machinery costs of farmers due to the rising petroleum prices," the DA-13 said.

From Aug. 11 to 15, a total of 102 beneficiaries from different towns in Agusan del Norte will also receive their fuel discount cards, which will be followed by 88 beneficiaries on Aug. 18 to 21 in Dinagat Islands. Fifteen beneficiaries will be served in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte on Aug. 25, while 305 more beneficiaries will receive their subsidy cards on Sept. 1 to 4 in Surigao del Sur.