Around 300,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and drivers who transport agricultural produce will receive ₱3 billion for fuel subsidies starting October, the Palace said.

The subsidy was allotted in response to the anticipated effects of the looming Super El Niño and persistently steep fuel prices.

Farmers and fisherfolk are entitled to a one-time fuel subsidy of ₱5,000 for their agricultural machineries, like tractors and motorized bancas.

Meanwhile, produce truck drivers will receive a weekly subsidy of ₱2,000 for their delivery trips from farms to markets across the country.

Under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program, the Department of Agriculture (DA), coordinating with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), will be disbursing the subsidy through the bank’s network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs).

In addition to the subsidy, the government announced it will be implementing a toll holiday or discount for produce truckers.

“Dagdag sa fuel subsidy, mayroon po kaming inaayos na toll holiday or discount para rin sa agri truckers,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez.

At present, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is also discussing with tollway operators the possibility of entirely exempting produce truckers from toll fees until December 31.

The DA aims to reach an agreement with tollway operators and implement the toll holiday within the month.

“Mayroon na pong sulat ang Toll Regulatory Board para sa ating mga tollway operator, hiningian na sila ng komento. Kasi ang hinihingi po natin ay ituloy na iyan hanggang [sa] katapusan ng taong ito, hanggang December 31,” Perez said.

The Palace assured that other vulnerable sectors will also receive another round of fuel subsidies, amid the re-escalation of the war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran.