MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is requesting P1 billion in additional funds for fuel subsidy to farmers and fisherfolk, as the disbursement of the initial subsidies is almost complete.

“May nire-request ang DA na P1 billion,” DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 8. “Ito ‘yung part ng P6 billion for fertilizer. Nasa review pa nila. Pero may request na.”

(The DA is requesting P1 billion. This is part of the P6-billion request for fertilizers. It’s still under review. But there’s already a request.)

De Mesa said more than half of the allocated fuel subsidy had been disbursed to farmers and fisherfolk: 66% of fishers’ allocation had been distributed while 89% of farmers’ were already disbursed. They request for additional budget had been made with the Department of Budget and Management.

The DA rolled out P25 million more recently, on top of the P150-million worth of subsidies and the P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.

Fuel subsidy and targeted financial assistance for affected sectors are among the government’s immediate responses to cushion the impact of the Middle East crisis.

Crude prices had since softened but remain highly volatile. The United States launched strikes on Iran Wednesday, pushing oil prices higher.

– Rappler.com