The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday lauded the upcoming release of a P500-million fuel subsidy for farmers and fisherfolk amid soaring oil prices in the country.
"It is notable that the government prioritized the farmers and fisherfolks during this period of fuel crisis," said CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia in a statement.
"This will help cushion the impact to their income while also helping to keep food cost at bay. We look forward to the prompt, transparent, and equitable distribution of the fuel subsidy and other assistance, especially to small farmers and fisherfolks who need it most," she added.
Her remarks came as the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to ink a joint circular with the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Energy on the P500-million subsidy.
According to the CHR, while the exact number of beneficiaries are not yet announced, the DA said about 1.8 million farmers will get P5,000 under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program.
Farmers will also get seeds under the said initiative to boost local food production, said the CHR.
De Guia said the CHR is hopeful that the support and assistance to farmers will help sustain agricultural livelihood.
"Investing and prioritizing agriculture is not only beneficial to farmers and fisherfolks but will redound to the benefit of all in terms of food security and better economy in the long view," she said.
The CHR pointed out that farmers and fisherfolk remain "among the disadvantaged sectors despite the Philippines being an agricultural country."
The agency said many of them remain in debt and cyclical poverty, and their income is further threatened by competition and importation.
Various groups have been crying for help amid soaring oil prices further worsened by the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with some sectors calling for aid, hiked minimum fare, and an increase in wages.
