CHR lauds DA’s grant of P500-M fuel subsidy to farmers, fisherfolk (Sabong News)
Author
Czarina Nicole Ong Ki
Date
MARCH 11 2022
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the announcement by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the release of ₱500 million fuel subsidy this March to help farmers and fisherfolk maintain their livelihoods now that oil prices have spiked astronomically.
The DA had said it will sign a joint circular with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide the subsidy, which has already been approved by President Duterte.
While there was no exact number of beneficiaries, the DA said that around 1.8 million rice farmers will receive about ₱5,000 under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program. They will also be given seeds to boost local food production.
CHR Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said it is “notable” that the government prioritized farmers and fisherfolk during this period of fuel crisis.
“This will help cushion the impact to their income while also helping to keep food costs at bay. We look forward to the prompt, transparent, and equitable distribution of the fuel subsidy and other assistance especially to small farmers and fisherfolks who need it most,” De Guia said.
While the Philippines is an agricultural country, De Guia lamented that farmers and fisherfolk remain among the disadvantaged sectors.
She pointed out: “They ensure food security yet many of them are mired in debts and cyclical poverty. Their little income is also currently threatened by the competition between local and foreign goods, with the importation leading to a surplus of local crops that are usually gone to waste if unsold.”
She said that with continuous support from the government, the CHR is hopeful that the country’s agricultural livelihood will survive the fuel hike.
“Investing and prioritizing agriculture is not only beneficial to farmers and fisherfolks but will redound to the benefit of all in terms of food security and better economy in the long view,” she also said.
