MANILA — In a significant move to combat rising food prices, the Philippine government has announced a one-month toll fee exemption for trucks transporting agricultural products, effective April 20. The initiative, facilitated by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Transportation, and Toll Regulatory Board, aims to reduce logistics costs that have been driving up retail food prices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the exemption is part of broader efforts to stabilize food supply and protect farmers' incomes amid increasing fuel costs. "This will help cushion the impact of higher fuel prices on food supply and affordability," Tiu Laurel said in a Friday announcement.
Based on DA estimates, transport expenses typically add between ₱2 and ₱5 per kilogram to retail food prices. The toll fee waiver could generate over ₱100 million in savings for haulers during the exemption period.
The program specifically applies to DA-accredited cargo vehicles registered under the Food Lane initiative. Currently, 1,162 trucks are accredited, with potential savings of ₱1,500 to ₱3,000 per trip. This translates to an estimated ₱52 million to ₱105 million in total savings over the month-long period.
The DA has begun deploying its own trucks in key production areas like Benguet to ensure continuous delivery of farm produce to markets, preventing bottlenecks that could lead to spoilage and supply gaps.
Truckers with outstanding toll arrears may still participate in the exemption but will be placed under structured payment arrangements with toll operators. The DA noted that savings could increase further if more than 3,100 previously registered trucks renew their accreditation.