The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday distributed fuel discount cards worth PHP1.13 million to 379 eligible corn farmers in Zamboanga del Sur province to help cushion the effect of high oil prices.

DA-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) Executive Director Rad Donn Cedeño said the recipients of the fuel discount cards consisted of 259 corn farmers from the town of Molave and 120 farmers from the municipality of Tambulig.

Each discount card was loaded with PHP3,000, for a total of PHP1,137,000, he said.

During the distribution program held in Molave, Cedeño assured the farmers of the department’s constant production support for farmers.

“This fuel discount to corn farmers and fisher folks was instituted as one of DA’s measures to enhance resiliency and cushion the impact from (the) oil price hike,” he said.

More fuel discount cards are expected to be given to farmers in other parts of Zamboanga Peninsula, he added.

Cedeño said the program aims to help corn farmers and fisher folk who own and operate agricultural and fishing machinery to cope with the high fuel prices. (PNA)