DA secures 1-month toll waiver for agri trucks

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Friday that trucks hauling agricultural goods will be exempt from toll fees for one month starting April 20, 2026. 

In a statement, the DA said the move forms part of efforts to ease logistics costs, stabilize food prices, and protect farmers’ incomes amid rising fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict.

“We thank our tollway concessionaires for embodying the bayanihan spirit. This will help cushion the impact of higher fuel prices on food supply and affordability, and help protect farmers’ incomes during these challenging times,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., noting that the toll waiver was facilitated by the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Citing initial estimates suggest, the Agriculture Department said the toll waiver could translate to P1,500 to P3,000 saving per trip or P52 million to P105 million over one month for the 1,162 trucks currently accredited under the DA’s Food Lane program, which could rise further if more than 3,100 previously registered trucks renew their accreditation.

The DA said transport expenses add around P2 to P5 per kilo to retail food prices.

Participating vehicles must be registered with DA regional offices. The approved list will be submitted to the TRB for monitoring and coordination. 

Truckers with outstanding toll arrears may still join, but will be placed under structured payment arrangements with toll operators to help them settle unpaid balances, according to the DA. — RSJ, GMA News