Two lawmakers are backing a proposed P1-billion increase in fuel subsidies to support farmers and fisherfolk grappling with rising production costs driven by surging global oil prices.
Camarines Sur Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Luigi Villafuerte expressed support for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) request for additional funding, citing the heavy burden of fuel expenses on rural producers as tensions in the Middle East continue to push oil prices upward.
Miguel, chair of the House committee on information and communications technology, said the proposed subsidy would provide much-needed relief, particularly for fishers whose fuel costs can consume up to 60 percent to 80 percent of their daily income.
Luigi, a deputy majority leader, said the proposed allocation aligns with the push of Speaker Faustino Dy III to expand financial assistance and immediate support mechanisms for the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The DA, through Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa, confirmed it has requested the additional P1 billion from the Department of Budget and Management as part of a broader P6-billion funding proposal. Of this amount, P1 billion is earmarked specifically for fuel subsidies.
At present, the DA is distributing P150 million in fuel assistance under the 2025 national budget, equally divided between farmers and fisherfolk.
The renewed volatility in global oil prices-triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East and reduced vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz-has raised concerns over fresh spikes in domestic fuel costs. Industry estimates suggest pump prices could again exceed P100 per liter, following recent increases of P9 to P10 per liter for diesel and P3.50 to P4.50 for gasoline.
Under existing programs, farmers and fisherfolk registered with the DA’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) are eligible for fuel subsidies of P5,000 and P3,000, respectively.
To institutionalize and expand support, the Villafuertes are also urging lawmakers to pass House Bill No. 3388, or the ‘Pantawid Pambangka Program.’ The measure proposes a monthly P1,000 fuel subsidy for municipal fisherfolk, along with automatic enrollment in PhilHealth’s National Health Insurance Program and access to micro-insurance through the Social Security System.
The bill targets small-scale fishers operating motorized boats of three gross tons or less within municipal waters and requires registration under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ fisherfolk registry.
Lawmakers said the measure seeks to address the persistent poverty in the fishing sector, where daily earnings remain low despite its contribution of about 1.3 percent to 1.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
Data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources show there were over 2.3 million registered fisherfolk as of 2022, with average daily income per fishing boat at around P272-often shared among crew members.
With fuel costs accounting for as much as 80 percent of expenses, many small fishers have been forced to shorten fishing hours, reduce trips, or seek alternative livelihoods, resulting in lower incomes.
The proposed Pantawid Pambangka Program also includes a provision earmarking 10 percent of incremental government revenues from fuel excise taxes to fund the subsidy, with adjustments to account for inflation.
Lawmakers said the measure is crucial to sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food security amid continued volatility in global energy markets.
The Executive department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry, as the government’s rice distribution program has already reached around 7 million families nationwide.
In a statement over the weekend, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto highlighted the program’s dual impact-providing food to vulnerable households while supporting local farmers-adding that the government will continue expanding direct assistance initiatives for those most in need.
Recto led the distribution of rice to 55,000 families in Oriental Mindoro during his recent visit to the province.
‘President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. places great importance on making sure that none of our fellow Filipinos go hungry,’ he said in an impromptu speech. ‘The president’s directive is to ensure that government programs reach the people.’
He highlighted that the initiative not only provides poor families with a regular supply of 10 kilograms of rice through the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program but also strengthens the agriculture sector by sourcing palay directly from local farmers.
The program is funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with local government units handling distribution using their own databases to ensure efficient delivery to beneficiaries.