Registered fishermen in Davao are set to receive P3,000 fuel subsidy amid the rising prices of petroleum products.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), fisherfolk registered in their system with motorized boats up to three gross tons may qualify for the fuel subsidy.

BFAR-Davao said once the fund for the fuel assistance project for 2026 is approved, around 722 fishermen will receive fuel voucher assistance while 1,760 will get fuel card support.

A fisherman said the government is already aware of their current situation and challenges.

“Kabalo naman na sila sa among sitwasyon sa mananagat, pait gyud. Dapat muayuda gyud sila sa mga mananagat,” a fisherman, Agustin Nacario, said.

Agustin added that his fuel cost for his boat was more than P200 for three liters of gasoline.

“Wala gyud mi kuha-kuha diri. Naay tag dos kilos ra unya ang among starting gasolina unya nagmahal pud ang gasolina, mga palaliton nagmahal. Unsa nalay ma amo ani?” he added.

Fishermen said the rising fuel prices are adding burden and financial strain on families who rely on fishing for livelihood.

“Samot na gani, dili nami makapalit og bugas kay saka na, igo ra ibalik ang starting. Maglugaw nalang ta ani, naa pakoy nga apo duha kabuok. Ako nalang ginalugaw kay usahay kulang man jud ko sa budget. Mao na nga niingon ko sa iyaha unsaon naman nato ani, ah og naay magpalaba, manglaba lang pud ko,” a fisherman’s wife, Flordeliz Nacario, added.

Another fisherman said fishing can be unpredictable with some days yielding abundantly and others almost nothing.

“Og wala gyuy kuha pila ka adlaw, dili mi makalawud kay wala man tay ipamalit og gasolina kay mahal man ang gasolina. Maayo unta og permente ta makakuha kay taga adlaw gyud ta makalawud kay naa tay ipamalit og gasolina. Ang panagat namo, weather-weather rapud, makakuha usahay dili,” fisherman, Alvin Nacario, said.

Despite the difficulties, fishermen said they will continue fishing to support their family.

“Wala gyuy mahimo mao na nga nag-agwanta ra mi sa pa swerti. Kung makakuha o dili. Kung dili, wala pud. Kung naa, dawaton gihapon. Usahay gani igo ra ipanghatag sa manayungay kay di man mi kalusad og walay manayungay,” Agustin added.