Fuel support program sustains livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk
Around 3,000 fishermen in Western Visayas are set to receive fuel subsidies from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) this year. The program targets small-scale fisherfolk struggling with the impact of rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia A. Aparri, speaking at the Philippine Information Agency’s Kapihan sa Western Visayas, said the ongoing subsidy program has already distributed fuel cards and vouchers to more than 16,000 fishermen in the region since 2022. Beneficiaries report that the assistance sustains fishing activities for up to a week, reducing daily fuel costs of about PhP500 per trip and allowing them to redirect earnings toward food and other household needs.
Recently, the program reached three island barangays of Ajuy—Pantalan Nabaye, Nasidman, and Tagubanhan—where 97 fisherfolk received fuel vouchers. To access the subsidy, fisherfolk “boatpooled” to the mainland, while the LGU provided transport support. BFAR and LGU personnel facilitated batch claiming at the nearest gas station, ensuring faster and more organized distribution.
For fisherfolk like Evelyn Montañiel of the Barangay Tagubanhan Kasagan Association (BATAFA), the subsidy is a lifeline during lean months when catch is low. “This will really help us. The subsidy will lessen our expenses since we will be consuming the fuel for one week,” she said in the local dialect, noting that the aid allows families to prioritize food and essentials.
Others, like Ronelia Ferrer, 41, shared that their household spends about four liters of diesel daily for fishing within Ajuy municipal waters. “This is of great help to us because we will not be spending on fuel for one week with the subsidy. We will be able to save,” she said, expressing gratitude and hoping the program continues amid persistent fuel price hikes.
Fisherfolk Mhark Nicus highlighted the challenges of the pigado nga bulan (lean months), when assorted catch such as salmonete, uposon, and latab fetch only PhP120 per kilo. Beneficiaries stressed the importance of responsible use of the subsidy and stronger collaboration among stakeholders. “Let us help one another—fisherfolk, BFAR, and LGU—so that we can deliver the services efficiently and support the fisheries sector,” Montañiel added.
The Ajuy rollout underscores how inter-agency coordination and localized strategies can extend government support even to geographically isolated communities. The current PhP3,000 fuel subsidy is estimated to cover five to seven fishing days, based on average consumption of four to six liters per trip and prevailing fuel prices of PhP100 per liter. A typical municipal fisher operating 22 days a month requires about 132 liters of fuel, amounting to roughly PhP13,200 monthly. (With a report from BFAR-6)
