DA, BFAR launch fuel discount in Caraga Region
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, with the DA Caraga, officially rolled out on Tuesday, June 21, the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk (FDFF) Program in Caraga Region.
At least 114 qualified fisherfolk beneficiaries from Butuan City, Buenavista, and Carmen, Agusan del Norte received the intervention during the launching in Butuan City. Each received Php3,000.00 worth of discount which can be used by the beneficiary in purchasing fuel from accredited and participating fuel stations/retail outlets.
DA-BFAR Caraga Regional Director Nilo Selim Katada, stressed that the program is one of the government's initiatives to support the fishermen in times of crisis. The FDFF Program, created through the General Appropriations Act of 2022, aims to mitigate the effects of the global economic challenges brought by the Ukraine crisis, such as the increasing prices of fuel.
BFAR Regional Focal Person for FDFF Program Edgardo P. Balambao, enjoined the recipients to utilize the intervention accordingly, particularly now that fuel price spikes from time to time. "May this initiative truly help the farmers and fisherfolk as they continue to thrive along the way," he said.
The DA-BFAR Caraga targets to provide fuel discount to 2,186 qualified fishermen all throughout the region. A fisherman must be registered in the Fisherfolk Registration System (FishR) and owns/operates a functional motorized boat enrolled in the Municipal Fishing Vessel and Gear Registration System (BoatR) to qualify.
The FDFF Program is implemented in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines, Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), Department of Energy, and local government units, among others. (DA-BFAR Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
