MANILA – Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed dismay over the implementation of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), highlighting gaps that prevent farmers and fisherfolk from fully accessing government subsidies.

During the Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing, Tulfo noted that many beneficiaries remain unaware of the program due to limited information dissemination by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“Maraming farmers ang hindi talaga nakakaalam na mayroong RSBSA. Ano ang ginagawa ng DA para sila ay maimpormahan?” he asked.

The DA acknowledged challenges in implementing the system, citing a shortage of personnel and burdensome requirements, including the need for tax declarations for land to be tilled. Tulfo stressed that coordination with local government units (LGUs) is essential to reach farmers and fisherfolk in far-flung areas.

He also cited complaints of slow processing and applicants having to make multiple trips to complete registration, as well as reports of a “palakasan” system in some LGUs that selectively favors beneficiaries. Tulfo called on the DA to investigate these issues immediately.

The senator recommended establishing a dedicated unit within the DA to assist applicants throughout the registration process, particularly those who are less familiar with digital technology or unable to read and write.

Citing Commission on Audit data, Tulfo noted that while 13.5 million farmers are registered, only 7.4 million are actual farmers, emphasizing the need for strict scrutiny by DA regional offices to maintain an accurate beneficiary list. He also suggested coordinating with farm schools to improve information dissemination about available subsidies.

Tulfo proposed providing direct cash fuel subsidies instead of vouchers, noting that farmers often struggle to find accredited gasoline stations. He also questioned whether fishermen affected by calamities receive assistance, with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) admitting that no such support currently exists but promising to address the issue.

The senator added that complaints have arisen where only LGU-favored individuals receive aid during calamities, leaving other affected farmers and fisherfolk without assistance.

Tulfo stressed the importance of prioritizing this sector, saying they are crucial to food security and the national economy.

It can be recalled that Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 1268, which seeks to institutionalize fuel subsidies and raise the amount from the current ₱3,000 to ₱5,000.