LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) on Thursday said 3,880 corn farmers and 5,033 fishermen in the region will receive a PHP3,000 worth of fuel subsidy to enhance their resiliency and cushion the impact of the oil price hike.
In an interview, Emily Bordado, DA-5 spokesperson, said a total fund of PHP11.6 million is allotted for the fuel discounts of corn farmers and fishers who own and operate agricultural and fishery machinery individually or through a farmers' organization, cooperative, or association (FCAs).
She said the subsidy must only be used to buy gasoline or diesel from the participating or accredited gasoline stations.
To qualify for the fuel subsidy, a corn farmer must be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS).
The beneficiary of the association must also own machinery with the following proof of ownership: Certificate of Agricultural and Fishery Machinery and Equipment Registration from LGU; Certification from the Municipal Agriculture Office that the farmer/fisher or association is the owner of the machinery; Sales/Cash Invoice/Official Receipt of the machinery; Memorandum of Agreement including Property Transfer Receipt; or deed of donation.
Bordado said rice farmers have also received a PHP5,000 assistance from the government.
Meanwhile, Nonie Enolva, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-5) spokesperson, said fishers who are qualified to avail of assistance are those registered in FishR System, and must own or use a motorized boat with not more than three-ton capacity and registered under the BoatR Program.
"The fuel discount card can only be used to buy gasoline or diesel. It is prohibited to be used for other expenses and cannot be withdrawn for cash," she said.
Enolva said they are just waiting for the cash cards from the central office. (PNA)
