ILOILO City — The government is ramping up emergency support for the fisheries sector in Western Visayas, expanding its fuel subsidy program to cover 1,698 additional fisherfolk as soaring oil prices continue to squeeze livelihoods and threaten food supply stability.
The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) rolled out the expanded assistance as part of a broader effort to cushion the impact of volatile global oil prices on small-scale fishers heavily dependent on fuel to sustain daily operations.
Regional Director Remia Aparri of BFAR Region 6 said the latest batch of beneficiaries will receive immediate support following the infusion of additional government funding.
“Our office is eager to provide this much-needed support to registered fisherfolk as they navigate the challenges posed by rising fuel prices,” Aparri said.
The additional beneficiaries are registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and operate duly registered fishing boats, ensuring that assistance reaches legitimate and active fishers.
Distribution of P3,000 fuel subsidy vouchers is ongoing and expected to continue until mid-April, with possible extension to ensure wider coverage amid persistent economic pressure.
The fuel subsidy, provided either through cash cards in urban areas or vouchers in remote communities, aims to help fisherfolk offset rising operational costs and sustain fishing activities.
Officials emphasized that the intervention is critical not only for individual livelihoods but also for maintaining the stability of the country’s food supply, with fisheries playing a central role in national nutrition.
Aparri noted that the subsidy program had already been in place even before geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified global oil price volatility, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to the sector.
So far, around 3,000 fisherfolk in Western Visayas have benefited from the program this year, with many already receiving their P3,000 assistance.
At the national level, BFAR is also pushing for a significant expansion of the program, with efforts underway to unlock an additional P50 million in funding through a supplemental agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Once approved, the additional funding is expected to benefit approximately 15,000 more municipal fisherfolk nationwide, particularly those in 5th class municipalities.
While awaiting the release of new funds, BFAR said it is utilizing remaining allocations from last year’s budget to ensure uninterrupted support.
The agency is also working closely with DBP to expedite the signing of the agreement to fast-track the release of funds and extend assistance to more fisherfolk.
The expanded subsidy rollout highlights the government’s intensified response to rising fuel costs, as it moves to protect one of the country’s most vulnerable yet vital sectors from further economic strain./PN
