Ajuy fisherfolk get fuel aid before Lent

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Western Visayas (DA-BFAR 6), in coordination with the Ajuy local government unit (LGU), distributed fuel subsidies to fisherfolk in three island barangays ahead of the Lenten break.

From March 30 to April 1, a total of 97 fisherfolk from Barangays Pantalan Nabaye, Nasidman, and Tagubanhan received fuel vouchers under the government assistance program aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel costs.

Beneficiaries traveled in groups from their island communities to the mainland, with transport support provided by the LGU.

Upon arrival, BFAR and LGU personnel assisted them in claiming fuel directly from designated gas stations in an organized, batch-by-batch process.

Each beneficiary received a PHP 3,000 fuel subsidy, estimated to cover five to seven days of fishing operations based on average consumption of four to six liters per trip at prevailing fuel prices of around PHP 100 per liter.

Regionally, a typical municipal fisher operating about 22 days a month requires an estimated 132 liters of fuel, costing around PHP 13,200 monthly.

Fisherfolk said the assistance provides temporary relief, particularly during the lean season when fish catch is low and income is limited.

Evelyn Montañiel, a member of the Barangay Tagubanhan Kasagan Association (BATAFA), said the subsidy will help reduce their weekly fuel expenses and allow them to redirect earnings toward basic household needs such as food.

Ronelia Ferrer, 41, whose family uses about four liters of diesel daily for fishing within Ajuy waters, said the subsidy would allow them to save.

“This is a big help because for one week, we will not have to spend on fuel,” she said.

Fellow beneficiary Mhark Nicus highlighted the added difficulty of lean months, when fish prices can drop to as low as PHP 120 per kilo for assorted catch such as salmonete, uposon, and latab.

High fuel costs have pushed many fisherfolk to reduce fishing frequency and limit operations to nearby waters, often resulting in smaller catches.

Beneficiaries underscored the importance of continued cooperation among fisherfolk, government agencies, and local authorities to ensure timely and efficient delivery of assistance to the fisheries sector.