The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Wednesday it has obtained an additional P25 million in funding for farmer fuel subsidies. DA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance Arnel V. De Mesa told reporters that the supplementary funding came through a Special Allotment Release Order. The DA did not immediately detail how the funds would be distributed or which farmer groups would benefit, as reported by BusinessWorld .
The fuel subsidy program aims to help farmers cope with rising input costs, particularly for mechanized farm operations. The additional P25 million comes on top of existing allocations under the DA's agricultural support programs. De Mesa said the new funding is expected to benefit rice and corn farmers, among other crop producers, though specific enrollment or payout schedules have yet to be announced.
Agriculture stakeholders have long called for more direct assistance as fuel prices remain volatile. The DA has previously distributed fuel discounts through cooperatives and local government units. The latest budget infusion signals the government's continued focus on food security and farm profitability ahead of the next planting season.