Amid fuel increases
TACLOBAN CITY — Small-scale farmers and municipal fisherfolk can now purchase diesel and gasoline using portable containers like jerry cans or drums, provided the fuel is used for legitimate livelihood activities, under a joint initiative by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Energy (DOE).
The policy covers fuel for small fishing boats, pump boats, tractors, irrigation pumps, and other farm or fishing machinery, the regional DA-8 office said on Thursday, March 26.
Buyers must present proof that the fuel will be used for authorized operations, such as 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 move comes as several gasoline stations continue to restrict sales of fuel in containers to ensure sufficient supply for retail customers.
The Philippine Information Office on Friday reported that about 23 gasoline stations have temporarily shut down their operations due to the current prevailing conditions. Earlier, two gasoline stations in Eastern Samar were ordered closed by Department of Energy either for over pricing or hoarding.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas is to distribute approximately 9,000 fuel subsidy cards to municipal fisherfolk this year through the government’s Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk (FDPFF). Each card is loaded with P3,000 to be used at accredited fuel stations.
Dominador Maputol, BFAR regional officer-in-charge, said the program is intended to ease the financial burden on fisherfolk who rely on motorized boats to reach fishing grounds, particularly amid rising petroleum 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 the increasing fuel costs that directly affect their livelihood,” Maputol said.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has distributed more than 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 municipalities in Samar received P3,000 fuel subsidies each, marking the latest round of assistance under the program.
JOEY A. GABIETA
