DA-BFAR proposes PHP 9,000 monthly aid for fishers

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has proposed expanding its fuel subsidy program to cover more fishers nationwide affected by rising petroleum prices amid tensions in the Middle East.

DA-BFAR Assistant Director for Administrative Services Zaldy Perez said the proposal follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure continued high fish production and a stable food supply in the country.

“The proposal covers not only the municipal but the commercial, and aquaculture based on fish landings,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new feed mill at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) complex in Tigbauan, Iloilo, on April 27.

Perez said assistance for the commercial fishing and aquaculture sectors would be based on fish landings, with a proposed rate of PHP 10 per kilo.

For municipal fisheries, Perez said the agency is proposing to increase the fuel subsidy to PHP 9,000 monthly for the duration of the crisis.

While awaiting approval of the expanded program, he said BFAR continues to provide its regular fuel assistance of PHP 3,000 per boat.

BFAR earlier said each qualified fisherfolk beneficiary receives a one-time PHP 3,000 fuel subsidy under its Fuel Assistance Program, while regional reports said beneficiaries must be registered in BFAR’s registry systems, including BoatR and FishR.

“Coordinate with the regional offices, register, and have your boat validated to be entitled to the assistance,” Perez added.