Amid rising fuel prices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will extend PHP42.48 million fuel subsidy to at least 14,162 fisherfolk in the Eastern Visayas region this year.

Christine Gresola, information officer of the BFAR regional office here, said on Monday the number of recipients under the second tranche of the fuel subsidy program is higher than the 5,729 fishers who received the cash aid last year.

Each beneficiary gets a fuel subsidy card worth PHP3,000. It is available for use at partner and accredited gasoline stations within the region.

“This is to cushion the impact of the ongoing economic challenge causing continuous spike on fuel price, affecting the fishing routine of our fisherfolk and disturbing the price trend of selected fishery commodities,” Gresola said.

The fisheries bureau urged fishermen who did not receive the subsidy last year to visit their respective municipal agriculture office to check if they are registered with the agency’s boat registry system and the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Since last year, BFAR has been handing out cards to prepare for the distribution of the second round of fuel subsidies this year.

The fuel subsidy program in Eastern Visayas seeks to maximize the utilization of agri-fishery machinery and facilities and enhance the resiliency of fisherfolk beneficiaries. (PNA)