TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will distribute fuel subsidies worth P3,000 to 3,140 fishermen across the six provinces of Eastern Visayas starting this month, as part of its ongoing fuel subsidy program aimed at easing the financial burden on local fisherfolk.
According to Christine Gresola, BFAR’s regional information officer, the program, which began in 2022, provides financial assistance to help fishermen cope with the rising costs of fuel.
“This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial strain on our fisherfolk and enable them to make the most of their motorized boats and fishing equipment,” Gresola said in an interview.
For 2024, BFAR has allocated a total of P9.4 million for the program. Each of the 3,140 qualified beneficiaries will receive a one-time subsidy of P3,000 this month.
The breakdown of the recipients by province is as follows: Southern Leyte with 735 beneficiaries; Leyte, 576 beneficiaries; Samar, 558 beneficiaries; Eastern Samar,496 beneficiaries; Northern Samar, 394; and Biliran with 381 beneficiaries.
Gresola clarified that the fuel subsidy is a one-time benefit for each recipient.
These 3,140 fishermen are part of the second tranche of the program, which covers the 2023-2024 period. The first tranche, launched in 2022, benefited 5,729 fishermen, with a total funding of P17.1 million.
To qualify for the program, fishermen must be registered under one of the following: Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA); Municipal Fisherfolk Registry (FishR); and Boat Registration (BoatR).
“Additionally, applicants must own or operate motorized bancas with a gross tonnage of three tons or below,” Gresola said.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive cash cards that can be used exclusively to claim the fuel subsidy at designated partner fuel stations under BFAR’s program.
“Beneficiaries can only use the cash card for fuel purchases at our partner oil companies and fuel stations,” Gresola explained.
The program continues to support the livelihoods of local fishermen, helping them maintain their productivity and sustain their work despite rising operational costs.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
