The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga Region rolled out the distribution of fuel subsidy for corn farmers and fisherfolk in the region through a launching conducted in DA Regional Office on June 21, 2022.

A total of 351 corn farmers and fisherfolk beneficiaries received each P3000 fuel discount card from Butuan City, Buenavista, Carmen, and Nasipit in Agusan del Norte on the said day.

The fuel subsidy program was purposely implemented to help the farmers and fishers who own and operate agricultural and fishing machinery that is greatly affected by ongoing global economic challenges including the surge in fuel prices.

“The fuel discount shall be primarily for all machinery used in corn production from land preparation to postharvest activities as well as motorized boats for fishing operations,” Melody Guimary, Field Operations Division Chief and Regional Corn Coordinator said.

DA-Caraga is targeting a  total of 1,616 corn farmers while BFAR is targeting 2,186 fishermen to receive the subsidy.

“DA has a total of P500 million budget for the said subsidy nationwide. In the region, P5 million pesos is allocated to DA-Caraga and another P5 million pesos to BFAR-Caraga,” Guimary said.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. commended the farmers for their vigorous effort in farming and fishing despite the impact of the pandemic and war.

“We wholeheartedly thank you all that despite the effect of the pandemic and war between Russia and Ukraine, you continue to heed to farm and fishing. So, we, in the Department of Agriculture strive and look for ways to back you up, through this Fuel Discount Program,” Director Oñate said.

Meanwhile, the farmers and fisherfolk lauded the Department of Agriculture for providing such help.

One of the beneficiaries, Emily Uso whose been 20 years fishing from Barangay Lumbocan, Butuan City received a fuel discount card for her motorized boat, thanked the DA for helping them.

“Since the start of the oil price hike, my husband’s fishing activities had been affected, so I am really happy now and excited to go fishing,” she said.

Myrna Ramos, a farmer from Barangay Florida, Butuan City also experienced a limitation in their land preparation due to the crude oil hike.

“The surge of oil price limits our farming activities. Now, with the help of this subsidy, we can go on our activity on the farm,” she shared.

The distribution of cash cards will continue to the other municipalities in the region. (Lovely Joy Saludez/DA-Caraga)