Assistance is insufficient to offset the effects of rising fuel prices on agricultural production.
By Shan Kenshin Ecaldre
Bulatlat.com
Cabuyao, LAGUNA – In the wake of rising production and living costs, sectoral groups denounced the government’s response as inadequate and delayed.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) criticized the Marcos administration’s recently announced aid package, calling it “too little, too late” as oil prices continue to drive up the cost of food, utilities, and transportation.
The government unveiled a P10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fishers (PAFF) program along with a P150-million fuel subsidy.
KMP said that the assistance is insufficient to offset the effects of rising fuel prices on agricultural production.
According to the group, each beneficiary would receive around P2,325, with distribution set to begin only in May.
“The question is how farmers and fishers will cope from March to April,” KMP said in a statement. “They are left to shoulder the full burden of successive oil price hikes and rising costs of basic goods.”
Cutting back
In Bulacan, some vegetable farmers have reportedly stopped planting due to the high cost of fuel.
Michael, a young farmer from San Jose del Monte, said that he is uncertain if he can continue farming after his current crops are harvested. “I am waiting for the harvest of our bitter gourd and string beans, but I am not sure if we can afford to plant again.”
Rowena S., a vegetable farmer growing crops such as sweet potato, okra, lemongrass, and native chili, said, “I had to borrow money to buy gasoline for the water pump. The crops need to be watered.”
She spends around P200 per gallon of gasoline and about P600 weekly just to irrigate her farm. “We are already struggling. If fuel prices rise further, we will be pushed further into debt.”
Undermined relief
KMP criticized the fuel subsidy program, noting that only a portion of the P150-million allocation is currently available. While farmers and fishers were promised P5,000 and P3,000 respectively in fuel assistance, the group said that delays and limited funds render the program ineffective. “At a time when fuel prices are increasing weekly, delayed and partial subsidies are meaningless.”
The group reiterated its call for urgent and comprehensive measures, including substantial production support, adequate fuel subsidies, and price controls on basic goods.
Transport
Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc echoed these concerns, describing the administration’s measures as temporary and superficial.
In a joint statement, Antonio Tinio, Sarah Jane Elago, and Renee Louise Co criticized the government for failing to address what they described as profiteering by oil companies and the impact of deregulation policies.
They also said that the provisional fare increase of P1 for traditional jeepneys and P2 for modern jeepneys is insufficient compared to rising fuel costs, noting that some drivers spend as much as P3,600 daily on diesel.
The lawmakers expressed support for the nationwide transport strike led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), calling it a legitimate response to worsening economic conditions.
Calls for structural reforms
Both KMP and the Makabayan bloc said that the crisis requires structural solutions, including the removal of value-added tax and excise taxes on petroleum products, and the repeal of the downstream oil deregulation law.
They pointed to global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, as contributing to oil price volatility and worsening economic conditions.
“This is a full-blown economic crisis,” KMP said. “Farmers and fishers are not only producers but also consumers who are doubly affected by rising prices.”
Various groups are expected to join protest actions, including a transport strike and a mass mobilization in Manila, to demand immediate relief and long-term reforms.
KMP urged farmers and the public to continue voicing their grievances, warning that without decisive government intervention, rising fuel costs will continue to threaten livelihoods and food production nationwide. (DAA)
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