Amid the rising oil prices, vice presidential aspirant Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said relevant government agencies should ensure the continuing oil subsidy for farmers and fisherfolk.

In a statement, Pangilinan said that the high cost of fuel has made it difficult for fisherfolk to sail out and reach areas where there is a bountiful catch.

Pangilinan added that fuel prices have also affected farmers who need diesel for use of water pumps. The government must act fast in providing aid to the farmers and fishers.

“Daing ng ating mga kababayan ‘yung mataas na presyo ng pagkain, at ‘’yung gutom. Kinakailangan talagang ayusin yan, at maaayos lang ‘yan kung ang ating agrikultura ay ayusin. Talagang agrikultura ang susi para matugunan ang gutom at kahirapan,” he said in a radio interview.

Pangilinan vowed that he and his presidential candidate Leni Robredo will scrutinize the agricultural law to ensure that they are properly promoting farmers’ and fishers’ rights if elected.

Effective Tuesday, major oil firms have announced a price hike of PHP4.10 per liter on diesel and PHP3 per liter on gasoline.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections earlier exempted the PHP1.1 billion Department of Agriculture (DA) budget for fuel subsidies to corn farmers and fisherfolk from the election ban.

In a Robredo-Pangilinan campaign sortie in Nueva Ecija on Monday, Pangilinan pledged continued support to the farming and fisheries sectors.

“We were able to do that with the Kalasag (Farmers Association). If we were given the opportunity to lead, we would also help the other farmers associations. That would result in an increase in yield and decrease in food prices as there would be many food supplies,” he said.

Pangilinan shared that the Kalasag Farmers Association was able to increase their yield with support from his office, the DA, the local government and a private firm.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Kiko Pangilinan