(BFAR EASTERN VISAYAS)
TACLOBAN CITY — The government has begun rolling out more than P1.2 million in fuel subsidies to hundreds of fisherfolk in Southern Leyte, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on the province’s fishing sector.
A total of 420 municipal fisherfolk from the towns of Silago, Liloan, Bontoc, Pintuyan, Tomas Oppus, Sogod, and Hinunangan received fuel discount cards this April under the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (FDFFP).
The distribution was carried out through municipal caravans led by the Provincial Fisheries Office in coordination with local government units.
Each beneficiary is entitled to a fuel subsidy of up to P3,000, which can be redeemed at accredited fuel stations to support daily fishing operations and help sustain their livelihoods.
Local officials underscored that access to the program requires proper registration under the Boat and Gear Registration (BoatR) and Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) systems, which ensure that only legitimate and documented fisherfolk receive assistance.
Perpetua Salan, municipal agriculturist of Tomas Oppus, said beneficiaries with complete and accurate registration records are prioritized in the distribution of aid to promote compliance and responsible fishing practices.
The Provincial Fisheries Office said distribution will continue in the municipality of Libagon in the second quarter of the year, as part of ongoing efforts to reach all qualified beneficiaries.
Authorities are also urging fisherfolk to complete the Know-Your-Client (KYC) process with Universal Storefront Services Corporation, a requirement for the processing and release of fuel cards.
As of the latest update, more than 800 beneficiaries in the province have yet to complete the KYC requirement, causing delays in the distribution in some areas.
Southern Leyte currently has 2,493 registered fisherfolk beneficiaries under the third tranche of the FDFFP—the second highest in the region—highlighting the importance of fuel assistance in sustaining the province’s fisheries sector amid fluctuating fuel prices.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
