An estimated 3,000 tobacco farmers in Ilocos Norte are set to receive fuel subsidy amounting to PHP3,000 each starting early next year.
This was after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) approved Resolution No. 2025-12-03 granting authority to Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos to enter into a memorandum of agreement with a gasoline station to implement the provincial government’s fuel subsidy program for tobacco farmers.
“We will be partnering with a qualified gasoline station and fuel subsidy vouchers amounting to PHP3,000 will be released to the beneficiaries,” engineer Teresa Bacnat, acting provincial agriculturist, said on Tuesday.
Sourced from the excise tax of tobacco products, the subsidy aims to help tobacco farmers increase their yield to improve their livelihood, Bacnat said.
She said the program will prioritize new tobacco farmers who have planted this year to encourage more farmers to plant tobacco.
To date, there are around 2,500 existing tobacco farmers in Ilocos Norte, excluding the new ones who planted tobacco this planting season.
With the rising cost of fuel, the Ilocos Norte government continues to assist farmers through the localized fuel subsidy program in partnership with accredited gas stations.
The beneficiaries include those who have not received any fuel subsidy from the government and whose names are listed on the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. (PNA)