The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday said the government has allocated more than P10 billion to provide fuel and fertilizer assistance to farmers this year.
Under the Special Provision of the FY 2024 GAA, a total of P9.561 billion has been appropriated for the distribution of fertilizer discount vouchers under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Production Support Services of the National Rice Program.
Of the P9.561 billion, P6.161 billion will be used for fertilizer assistance to complement the DA Hybrid Seed Program and P3.4 billion for the DA Inbred Certified Seed Program.
The fertilizer assistance program is expected to be implemented within the major rice-producing provinces and promote balanced fertilization to increase rice productivity.
“Apart from strengthening the production and supply of food in the country, our President wants our local farmers to be given appropriate help,” DBM Secretary Mina Pangandaman said.
“The role they play in our economy and community is very important. Rest assured that this government will always look for the best solutions to provide assistance to them,” she added.
Meanwhile, a total of P510.4 million has been allocated for fuel assistance to farmers, which also includes the operating expenses incurred in the distribution of the said assistance.
Implementation of the program shall be subject to the guidelines to be issued by the DA, in coordination with the DBM and the Department of Energy.