Senator Bam Aquino has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to utilize the ₱200 billion aid fund under the 2026 national budget to provide fuel subsidies for nearly six million farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, Aquino stressed the urgency of releasing the funds to support the country’s food producers.
“In the 2026 budget, we have almost ₱200 billion pesos worth of ayuda… Ngayon po yung panahon para ilabas yung perang yan, matulungan natin itong mga kababayan natin na nagpapakain sa atin,” he said.
Aquino warned that delays in assistance could lead to a decline in agricultural output, which may be difficult to recover.
“Bababa yung production, which we know getting back to your previous production level is more difficult than yung pag-baba. Mas mahirap yung pagtaas kesa sa pagbaba,” he added, noting that current production is at roughly 80 percent.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez said the government would require ₱37 billion in subsidies for the harvest season covering May to July.
He explained that the funding would help sustain essential inputs needed to secure production in the coming months, including support for the fisheries sector.
The DA also announced that beginning April, farmers will receive a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy, while fisherfolk will be granted ₱3,000.