QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The local government of Navotas distributed a P3,000 worth of fuel discount card to a total of 345 registered boat owners in the city. 

The provision of the fuel subsidy program was initiated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - National Capital Region (BFAR-NCR) to ensure the unhampered fishing operations of the local fisherfolk sector despite the fluctuating oil prices and inflation rate in the country. 

The beneficiaries were determined based on the weight of their motorized bancas that must not exceed the limit of three gross tons as well as the ‘environmental-soundness’ of their fishing gears aside from the proof of boat registration. 

According to the City Agriculture Office, the qualified recipients can use the discount cards to all the accredited gasoline stations or petroleum retail outlets nationwide. 

To date, the city government has already embarked on its 2nd tranche of fuel subsidy distribution for the fiscal year 2023. 

The subsidy was rendered under the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR pursuant to the Special Provision No. 20 of the Republic Act No. 11639 or the General Appropriation Act for the Fiscal Year 2022. 

An initial allocation of P1.1 billion was granted by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2022 for the food mobilization initiatives of the country that includes the fuel subsidy. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meanwhile commits to continue the conduct of food security efforts by allotting a P1 billion fuel assistance for 312,000 farmers and fisherfolks as per Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), to ensure the consistent production of agricultural commodities as well as aquatic products in the country. (PIA-NCR)