The government allocated over P10 billion to fuel and fertilizer assistance for farmers this year to expedite rice supply, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

A total of P9.561 billion was appropriated for the distribution of fertilizer discount vouchers under the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Production Support Services of the National Rice Program, as per the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act.

Of this amount, some P6.161 billion will be used for fertilizer assistance to complement the agency’s Hybrid Seed Program and P3.4 billion for its Inbred Certified Seed Program.

“Bukod po sa pagpapalakas ng produksyon at suplay ng pagkain sa bansa, nais po ng ating mahal na Pangulo na mabigyan ng nararapat na tulong ang ating local famers. Napakahalaga po ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila sa ating ekonomiya at komunidad,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

[Apart from strengthening the production and supply of food in the country, our dear President wants to ensure that our local farmers receive appropriate assistance. The role they play in our economy and community is of utmost importance.]

“Rest assured that this government will always look for the best solutions to provide assistance to them,” she added.

The fertilizer program is expected to be implemented within the major rice-producing provinces in the country and promote balanced fertilization to increase rice productivity.

Meanwhile, a total of P510.4 million was allocated for the farmers’ fuel assistance, which also includes the operating expenses from the distribution of the said assistance.

This program is subject to the guidelines to be issued by the DA, in coordination with the DBM and the Department of Energy.