The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday assured that eligible farmers and fishers will receive fuel assistance from the government, as oil firms announced staggered price hikes this week.

In a media interview, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. allayed concerns of the agriculture industry about the possible effects of the conflict between Israel and Iran.

“Well, for this year naman, medyo okay tayo. Meron naman tayo din na nasa budget natin na fuel subsidy for fishermen, malamang mare-release din natin (we are somehow okay. We also have in our budget fuel subsidy for fishermen, which we will probably release),” he said.

Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the DA has allocated PHP150 million in fuel assistance for both farmers and fishers.

“Iyong condition naman doon para ma-release iyong pera, iyong umabot ng USD80 per barrel iyong presyo ng (The condition there to release the fund is once the price reaches USD80 per barrel of) Dubai crude oil,” Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa told the Philippine News Agency.

De Mesa said the farmers and the fishery sector were granted PHP75 million each, subject to the issuance of certification from the Department of Energy.

Besides fuel assistance, Tiu Laurel said the potential impacts of the conflict on fertilizers may not be felt immediately.

“So, mararamdaman siguro iyan sa susunod baka (it may be felt perhaps by) October, November, December. Partly, but mostly that will be for next year’s cropping season,” he said.

The DA earlier assured a stable supply of fertilizers in the country, which is projected to last until the end of the year. (PNA)