The Department of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked around P9.7 billion to aid farmers and fishers in their production amid surging pump prices and the expected “very strong” El Niño in October. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency received the special allotment release order (Saro) from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) covering P6.2 billion from the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program. Broken down, P2.2 billion will be allocated for fertilizer subsidy; P2 billion for fuel subsidy, which will be divided for farmers and fisherfolk; P1 billion for cash assistance, and P1 billion fuel subsidy for agricultural transport.

Pelonia, A. (2026, September 25). DA allots P9.7 billion to aid farmers, fishers amid El Niño, oil price hikes. BusinessMirror, p. A5.