The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is proposing an expanded and increased fuel subsidy program to cushion the impact of the ongoing oil crisis across all levels of the country’s fishery sector.
Speaking to reporters during the inauguration of a new aquaculture feed mill plant at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) in Buyu-an, Tigbauan, on Monday, April 27, BFAR Assistant Director for Administrative Services Zaldy Perez shared the agency’s proposed relief measures.
According to Perez, the directive to enhance assistance comes directly from the Office of the President and the Department of Agriculture (DA), aiming to ensure that the entire sector—from small-scale catchers to commercial operations—receives adequate support.
“The proposal is to cover not only the municipal but, of course, the commercial and the aquaculture sector,” he explained.
Under the new proposal, assistance for both commercial and aquaculture operations will be calculated based on their fish landings. The bureau is proposing a subsidy rate of P10 per kilogram of fish landed.
Meanwhile, municipal fishers are slated to receive a significant boost in direct financial aid.
Perez said that the agency plans to increase the current municipal subsidy to P9,000 per month.
This elevated rate, he clarified, will only be implemented “for the duration while the crisis still subsists.”
While the proposed increases are being ironed out, Perez assured the public that the government’s baseline assistance program remains fully operational.
BFAR is currently distributing its standard fuel subsidy of P3,000 per fisher or registered boat sourced from the agency’s regular funding.
To ensure they receive this ongoing aid, the Perez urged fisherfolk to update their documentation with local authorities.
“The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is continuously distributing fuel subsidies from our regular funding…please coordinate with our regional offices to register and have your boats validated so you can be entitled to the subsidy provided by our government,” he said. IMT
