The Department of Agriculture (DA) is mobilizing a multi-pronged support strategy to insulate the nation’s food producers and consumers from the economic ripple effects of the Middle East conflict, specifically the volatile spike in fuel prices.
DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel De Mesa confirmed that the agency is prioritizing the swift distribution of fuel subsidies to farmers and fisherfolk.
These sectors have been hit hardest by the rising costs of oil, which have subsequently inflated the prices of essential inputs like fertilizers and increased logistics expenses.
During the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel forum in Manila, De Mesa shared the progress of the subsidy rollout:
“Sa aming listahan simula pa nung magbigay kami ng fuel subsidy, nasa more than 100,000 individuals na ang nakatangap. At patuloy pa ito na dadami habang patuloy ang ating programa.”
To address logistical bottlenecks, the DA has dispatched 38 Kadiwa trucks to Benguet to buy produce directly from farmers who are struggling with high transport costs. Regional offices are likewise hosting trade fairs to provide farmers with direct market access.
Furthermore, De Mesa urged local government units to utilize the Sagip Saka program, which facilitates direct procurement from accredited farmers’ cooperatives.
In a significant move to lower food transport costs, the government has upgraded its support for logistics providers.
Accredited DA trucks are now exempt from paying toll fees on major expressways, a shift from the previous rebate system.
“Dati toll rebate lang. Ngayon toll-free na. Maari nang dumaan at bumiyahe ang mga accredited DA truckers natin sa mga toll gates gaya ng SLEX, NLEX, SCTEX at iba pa ng walang babayaran. Malaking katipiran ito para sa ating lahat,” De Mesa explained.
Beyond immediate economic relief, the DA is pivoting toward climate resilience as El Niño looms. The agency is currently collaborating with PAGASA to recalibrate planting schedules and encourage the cultivation of crops that require less water.
While De Mesa maintained that current food inventories are stable, he stressed the importance of proactive preparation.
A key part of this long-term strategy is the transition to renewable energy. The government is aggressively pushing for the installation of solar-powered irrigation systems, which are slated to be active by the end of 2026.
“Malaki ang maitutulong nito, lalo na inaasahan namin itong maging fully operational toward the end of the year.”