Amid the rising oil prices, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in Ilocos Norte will be distributing cash cards worth PHP3,000 to eligible fisherfolk-beneficiaries in the province.

Vanessa Dagdagan, senior aquaculturist at the BFAR, said Monday a total of 591 registered fisherfolk from the coastal towns of Badoc, Currimao, Paoay, Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud, and Laoag City are being validated to see their eligibility.

“The funds are ready but we are just waiting for the schedule for the distribution of fuel discounts to farmers and fisherfolk in the province,” she said, citing the program aims to aid the corn farmers and fisherfolk who own and operate agricultural and fishing machinery.

Each of the beneficiaries is entitled to receive a PHP3,000 worth of gasoline discount payment cards to be facilitated by the Universal Storefront Services Corporation, a partner of the DA in the region.

Due to skyrocketing prices of fuel, fisherfolk here admitted that they are cutting back on their fishing trips, especially on days that there is not much to catch. (PNA)