WITH the continuing rise of fuel prices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recently distributed subsidies to affected fisherfolks.

BFAR Central Luzon Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said some 60 Kapampangan fishermen received P3,000 fuel subsidy each in the form of discount cards.

Cruz said that providing fuel discounts for fisherfolk now are very timely since this addresses their production need amid the increased oil price in the country.

"Napakagandang assistance itong fuel discount program. Worth P3,000 discount ito para sa ating mga mangingisda. So, kapag sila ay papalaot, malaking bagay ito para sa kanila lalo na ngayong mahal ang diesel at gasolina," he said.

Both discount card distributions were spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) where distribution of farming machinery and equipment for farmers and fisherfolk also took place.

The agency cited that beneficiaries of the said program must be for farmers and fisherfolk who are categorized as "registered" under the DA list.

For the fisherfolk, they must be registered under FishR and must be using motorized boats weighing three gross tons and below and registered under BoatR.

It could be remembered that the subsidiary program of the agriculture department commenced in Subic, Zambales last March where 6,000 fisherfolk in Central Luzon are set to receive fuel discounts in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines.