By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up its Food Lane program to ensure the uninterrupted movement of agricultural goods and help stabilize supply and prices, as the government responds to a declared national energy emergency.
The move follows Executive Order No. 110 issued by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which calls for a whole-of-government response to cushion the impact of global fuel supply disruptions.
Central to the DA’s strategy is the Agri-Trucks Toll Free Program, implemented in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the Toll Regulatory Board, granting full toll fee exemptions to accredited agricultural transport vehicles.
The expanded initiative builds on the existing Food Lane Project, which previously provided toll rebates. By shifting to full exemptions, the DA aims to significantly reduce logistics costs for farmers, traders, and food distributors, while ensuring that essential goods move quickly and efficiently across major expressways.
“We must protect farmers’ incomes, ensure the profitability of those in the agricultural value chain, and safeguard consumer welfare so that no sector is left behind.”
“Food is a basic and essential need, and it is our responsibility at the Department of Agriculture to ensure stable supply and affordable prices at all times,” said Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro.
“At the same time, we must protect farmers’ incomes, ensure the profitability of those in the agricultural value chain, and safeguard consumer welfare so that no sector is left behind.”
Despite more than 4,000 agri-truckers registered, only 1,162 currently hold valid accreditation, limiting access to program benefits.
The DA is pushing to scale participation through streamlined registration, expanded on-site enrollment, and faster approvals.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative is critical to stabilizing food supply chains amid rising fuel risks.
“This is about keeping food moving when energy shocks threaten to slow everything down.
“This is about keeping food moving when energy shocks threaten to slow everything down. Every delay in transport translates to higher costs and potential shortages. We cannot allow that,” Tiu Laurel said.
Undersecretary for Agri-Industrial Marine Systems Arrey Perez, who oversees the Food Lane program, said the effort forms part of the administration’s broader UPLIFT Tulong sa Agri Sector package.
“The Food Lane program is part of President Marcos’ UPLIFT Tulong sa Agri Sector initiative, which is about standing with our farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers during these difficult times,” Perez said.
“We know that rising fuel costs and supply disruptions are felt most by those who put food on our tables. The DA is committed to finding practical ways to ease that burden, so that food remains accessible and livelihoods are protected,” he added.
