MANILA, Philippines — A number of farmers in the country are still waiting for their fertilizer subsidy as of Friday, August 29, with some other groups linking the delay to “possible ghost deliveries.”
According to Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) Chairman Rosendo So, farmers in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Mimaropa have not yet received the government subsidy that was expected to be distributed as early as June, the start of planting season.
“As we approach the end of August, there’s still no fertilizer subsidy in some areas, while other regions have already received theirs,” So said during Wednesday’s Senate agriculture committee hearing.
He added that the fertilizer contract had already been secured last May, raising concerns about the delay in distribution.
So also noted that farmers this year face challenges such as low palay prices and lack of government support, unlike last year when subsidies were released on time.
Senator Raffy Tulfo supported the calls for immediate government action, stressing the importance of timely delivery, not only of the fertilizer but also the seedlings, equipment, and post-harvest facilities.
In a letter dated last August 26, La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega asked Sinag to negotiate with the Department of Agriculture (DA), emphasizing that the “timely release of subsidies [is] critical to restoring farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security.”
Additionally, Manaoag, Pangasinan Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Pangasinan Chapter, called on August 22 for urgent support, citing the rising cost of fertilizers.
So said that Sinag is now coordinating with provincial leaders to determine how widespread the delays are, adding that similar concerns have already been raised by the governor of Isabela.
“The government should act swiftly. Farmers cannot afford to wait any longer for the support promised to them,” he said.
The DA has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
