Eastern Visayas farmers, fishers get fuel access boost
TACLOBAN CITY—Small-scale farmers and municipal fisherfolk in Eastern Visayas can now purchase diesel and gasoline using portable containers, such as jerry cans or drums, provided the fuel is used for legitimate livelihood activities.
The move comes under a joint initiative by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The policy applies to fuel for small fishing boats, pump boats, tractors, irrigation pumps and other farm or fishing machinery, the DA regional office (DA-8) said on Thursday.
Buyers are required to present proof that the fuel will be used for authorized operations. Acceptable documents include registration with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), job or purchase orders, or business permits.
“This measure aims to help farmers and fisherfolk maintain productivity amid rising petroleum prices by allowing the use of portable fuel containers, ensuring smoother operations and minimizing disruptions caused by fuel costs,” the DA and DOE said, citing DOE Department Circular No. DC2017-11-0011 as the legal basis.
The initiative comes as several gasoline stations continue to restrict container sales to preserve supply for regular retail customers.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas will distribute around 9,000 fuel subsidy cards to municipal fisherfolk this year under the government’s Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program. Each card carries a P3,000 load and can be used at accredited fuel stations.
Discount cards
Dominador Maputol, BFAR regional officer in charge, said the program is designed to ease the financial burden on fisherfolk who rely on motorized boats to reach fishing grounds, particularly amid rising fuel prices linked to global tensions in the Middle East.
“Fuel assistance is part of the government’s continuing effort to support our municipal fisherfolk, especially with increasing fuel costs that directly affect their livelihood,” Maputol said.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has distributed over P17.8 million in fuel subsidies to 14,341 registered municipal fisherfolk in the region.
Beneficiaries are identified through the RSBSA, with priority given to operators of motorized fishing boats under three gross tons and those practicing sustainable fishing methods.
On March 9, about 615 fishermen from 10 towns in Samar received P3,000 fuel subsidies each, marking the latest round of assistance under the program.
