MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said an additional ₱25 million in fuel subsidy for farmers may soon be released to help cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on agricultural production.

The fund follows the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which allows the release of the additional allocation.

“May naunang PHP150 million, so nag-release sila ng (There’s an earlier PHP150 million, so they have released an) additional PHP25 million,” DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a press conference.

De Mesa said around 5,000 eligible farmers are expected to receive ₱5,000 each in fuel subsidy within the month, as the planting season is currently underway.

He added that the distribution of the ₱10-billion Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) has already been completed.

Under the program, about 4.175 million farmers and fisherfolk received ₱2,325 each in assistance, with the bulk of beneficiaries coming from the rice sector at 2.197 million.

This was followed by 1.475 million corn farmers, more than 102,000 sugar farmers, and around 399,000 fishers nationwide, the DA said.