₱9.7-B sought to help farmers deal with oil price hike, extreme El Nino

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for at least ₱9.7 billion in additional funding to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with soaring fuel costs and prepare for a potentially “very strong” El Niño.

The agency’s funding push comes as the government begins releasing a separate ₱6.2-billion package under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), with assistance intended to cushion the agriculture sector from rising input and fuel costs.

DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the ₱6.2-billion allocation on Sept. 9, clearing the way for the release of assistance to qualified beneficiaries.

“Natanggap namin noong Sept. 9. Ito muli ay para sa UPLIFT program para sa fertilizer support at fuel subsidy na posibleng maapektuhan ng nangyayaring krisis at paghahanda rin namin sa parating na El Niño (We have received it on Sept. 9. This is from the UPLIFT program for the fertilizer support and fuel subsidy, which may be affected by the ongoing crisis, and also in preparation for the El Niño),” he said.

The package includes ₱2.2 billion for fertilizer assistance, while ₱1 billion each is earmarked for fuel assistance to eligible farmers and fisherfolk. Another ₱1 billion will go to the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF), with an additional ₱1 billion intended as fuel subsidy for agricultural transport.

Beyond the UPLIFT assistance, the DA is seeking the restoration of ₱10 billion for PAFF, which the agency says is needed to sustain direct cash assistance to farmers and fisherfolk.

The amount, however, is not included in the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program.

The DA also has a separate ₱3.5-billion request for solar-powered irrigation projects across the country. De Mesa said the SARO for the program is expected to be released within the fourth quarter.

“Hopefully, ma-release soon, within the fourth quarter,” de Mesa said.

The government launched the latest PAFF rollout in April using about ₱10 billion in funding, benefiting some 4.1 million farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.

With fuel prices putting additional pressure on agricultural production and a looming El Niño threatening farm output, the DA is seeking to secure more resources before the sector faces further strain.