By Lou Ellen Antonio

LALA, Lanao del Norte (PIA) – Fisherfolk in the province are thankful after they have been granted P3,000 fuel subsidy each in the form of discount cards as part of the government's effort to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (DA-BFAR 10) launched the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk program which targets to provide fuel subsidies to 2,326 qualified fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao. Of this target, 444 fisherfolk are from Lanao del Norte province. 

Danny Paborada of Lala town conveyed gratitude to DA-BFAR 10. He said that they only use two liters of fuel instead of four due to the fuel price hike.  

“Nagpasalamat mi sa DA-BFAR na naa ning programa. Sa isa ka semana, katong barato pa ang gasolina, mugasto mi ug upat ka litro pero karon duha ka litro nalang kay tipiron nalang gumikan sa kamahal sa gasolina,” he said. 

[We are thankful to DA-BFAR for having this program. Before, when the fuel was cheaper, we used four liters but now we only use two liters because of the high cost of fuel.]

Meanwhile, Delfin Abing of Bacolod town is happy for the assistance. He also called on unregistered fisherfolk to visit their local government unit to register in the Fisherfolk Registration System and Boat Registration System to avail the said assistance. 

Moreover, 76-year old fisherfolk of Kolambugan Pacito Fernandez, said that the fuel subsidy is a big help for them. He shared that before the fuel price hike, 10 liters only cost him P500. But with the increase in fuel price, P500 can only buy five liters. 

The fuel discount cash cards were issued to the beneficiaries in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines and Universal Storefront Services Corporation. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)