The Ilocos Norte provincial government is expanding its fuel subsidy and providing free hauling services for farmers transporting their products to the recently opened trading center in Barangay Bil-loca, Batac City.

Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos confirmed this during a press conference in her office on Monday, following the transport of 1.8 tons of red onions and 1 ton of white onions from Pasuquin onion growers to the center.

“This initiative aims to sustain the provincial government’s assistance to our agriculture sector, ease the burden of rising fuel costs and sustain agricultural activities, livelihoods, and the local economy,” the governor said as she appealed for more patience during this time of economic pressure.

Even before the Middle East conflict, the provincial government, through the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center, has been helping farmers and fisherfolk with various agricultural inputs, including machinery and marketing of their products.

Open to all registered farmers under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, the provincial government’s expanded fuel subsidy assistance program prioritizes those with standing crops to ensure adequate irrigation and support until harvest.

This is a part of the national government’s fuel assistance program, which is expected to be rolled out in the province anytime this month.

Interested parties who may wish to avail of the free hauling services may visit the Provincial Agriculture Office situated in this city.

“We are glad and thankful for all the assistance given to us. This means a lot to us farmers,” Wilfredo Valdez, a farmer-leader in Pasuquin town, said. (PNA)