Manila, June 23 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday assured that eligible farmers and fishers will receive fuel assistance from the government, as oil firms announced staggered price hikes this week.

In a media interview, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. allayed concerns of the agriculture industry about the possible effects of the conflict between Israel and Iran.

"Well, for this year naman, medyo okay tayo. Meron naman tayo din na nasa budget natin na fuel subsidy for fishermen, malamang mare-release din natin (we are somehow okay. We also have in our budget fuel subsidy for fishermen, which we will probably release)," he said.

Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the DA has allocated PHP150 mill...