Davao de Oro Distributes P3,000 Fuel Assistance to High-Value Crop Farmers
The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro has successfully distributed fuel assistance valued at P3,000 to high-value crop farmers across the province. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao), provided fuel cards to a total of 309 beneficiaries on April 14 and 15, 2026.
Substantial Aid Reaches Multiple Municipalities
Approximately P1 million worth of fuel assistance was allocated to farmers from the municipalities of Mawab, New Bataan, Montevista, Nabunturan, and Monkayo. The beneficiaries have expressed profound gratitude, highlighting that this support will significantly aid their land preparation activities during the critical farming season.
Governor Raul Mabanglo emphasized that the fuel subsidy serves as a temporary measure to alleviate immediate burdens. He assured the public that the provincial government is actively exploring additional ways to bolster support for the agricultural sector. "We have canceled some parts of the provincial budget in order to allocate additional assistance to various sectors... We can manage this," Governor Mabanglo stated, underscoring the administration's commitment to prioritizing farmer welfare.
Addressing Economic Pressures and Expanding Reach
The primary objective of the fuel assistance is to ease the financial strain on farmers who are registered users of agricultural machinery. This initiative is particularly timely given the escalating oil prices, partly driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have increased operational costs for farming communities.
Following the initial distribution, the provincial government has announced additional schedules to continue providing fuel assistance to farmers throughout Davao de Oro. The program is also set to extend its benefits to fisherfolk, ensuring broader support across key agricultural and maritime sectors.
Broader Regional Support Framework
This local effort aligns with broader regional initiatives. DA-Davao has committed to providing a P5,000 fuel subsidy to each registered farmer and fisherfolk to augment their income. Macario "Bong" D. Gonzaga, Regional Director of DA-Davao, confirmed on March 25, 2026, that the department aims to distribute these subsidies within the month, with finalization of the masterlist underway.
Director Gonzaga noted that some farmers and fisherfolk already possess monitoring cards where the fuel subsidy will be credited, streamlining the distribution process. Across the Davao Region, approximately 396,397 registered farmers and 114,810 fisherfolk are slated to receive this crucial financial support, highlighting the scale of the government's commitment to sustaining agricultural livelihoods amid economic challenges.
