SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR –The Department of Agriculture Corn Program distributed P3,000 Fuel Discount or subsidy to some 450 corn farmers from Baao, Pili, Ocampo and Bula, Camarines Sur. The distribution was held at the DA 5 covered court on June 15, 2022.

Another batch of of 171 corn farmers from Iriga City, Bato and Buhi were given the same subsidy on June 17 at a venue in Iriga City.

Fuel discount cards containing P3,000 were issued by the USSC to the farmer-beneficiaries.

This subsidy must only be used to buy gasoline or diesel from the participating or accredited gasoline stations.

Farm machineries for fuel discount include pumps, engine, tractors, combine harvester, and corn shellers among others.To qualify for the fuel subsidy, a corn farmer must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) or listed in Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS).

The beneficiary or his/her association must also own a machinery which can be proven by the following proof of ownership: Certificate of Agricultural and Fishery Machinery and Equipment Registration from LGU; Certification from the Municipal Agriculture Office that the farmer/fisher or association is the owner of the machinery; Sales/Cash Invoice/Official Receipt of the machinery; Memorandum of Agreement including Property Transfer Receipt; or deed of donation.

In Bicol, 3,880 corns farmers will receive the P3,000 fuel subsidy with a total allotted funds of P11.6M.

The DA has been extensively promoting mechanization to modernize and enhance productivity in the agriculture and fishery sector. Fuel expenses are therefore one of the most important components of the operating cost in farming and fishing. (Lovella Guarin | Photo by Eduardo Collantes, Jr.)