DA Rolls Out Cordillera Farmers Aid Amid Rising Costs
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking swift action to support agriculture stakeholders in the Cordillera region. Through its Cordillera Administrative Region office (DA-CAR), the agency has rolled out comprehensive Cordillera farmers aid to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising fuel prices and market disruptions.
Immediate Relief Measures for Fuel and Logistics
One major component of the Cordillera farmers aid is the P75 million fuel subsidy from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) benefiting more than 15,000 fishermen. This assistance aims to cushion the impact of high fuel costs that have forced many to scale down or suspend operations. For vegetable farmers, particularly in Benguet and nearby areas facing oversupply, the DA has intensified Kadiwa market activities. These efforts already generated over P1.3 million in sales from March to early April while addressing around 590 metric tons of perishable produce at risk of spoilage.
To improve transport efficiency, DA-CAR is deploying 38 trucks from farmers’ cooperatives and local government units, plus five Kadiwa trucks, for hauling produce. Coordination with other agencies like the OCD, DSWD, and DPWH enables shared “pasabay” transport arrangements, reducing logistics expenses for farmers.
READ: PH Rice Price: A Year-by-Year Analysis
Market Access and Long-Term Solutions
Beyond short-term relief, the Cordillera farmers aid includes expanded market linkages through trade fairs and institutional buyers. The program also promotes integrated farming systems, livestock projects, and longer-term infrastructure such as cold storage and low-cost preservation technologies to minimize post-harvest losses.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the government’s commitment: “Under the guidance of President Marcos Jr., we are implementing immediate and sustained interventions to assist our farmers and fisherfolk in overcoming the challenges brought about by the energy emergency.” He added that these initiatives seek to strengthen food systems, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure stable, affordable food supply for Filipinos.
The Cordillera farmers aid reflects a whole-of-government approach to build resilience in the agriculture sector. By combining fuel subsidies, logistics support, and market expansion, the DA aims to keep Cordillera’s food producers productive while securing the region’s contribution to national food security.