Accreditation of farmers, traders to program that cuts toll rate urged

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has called for the immediate accreditation of farmers and traders to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Food Lane Program, which provides reduced toll and port fees.

In a press release on Tuesday, he urged national agencies and local governments to assist truckers of farm produce in utilizing the initiative.

READ: Toll fees waived for DA-listed trucks with agri cargo

“This begins with the speedy accreditation of farmers and traders  who are qualified for the toll fee waiver,” he said, as quoted in the press release.

“Unnecessary and unreasonable stopping and inspection of food trucks by police and LGU checkpoints should also stop because it delays travel and wastes fuel,” Recto remarked.

“Highlighting that summer is harvest season, the Palace official said.

“The challenge is to reduce the time and the cost for produce to land in the market, especially since these are perishable,” he noted.

According to the executive secretary, the “toll and port fees holiday” forms part of the “basket of initiatives” the government is implementing amid the impact of the Middle East war.

Citing data from the DA, he said there are 1,162 private trucks presently accredited under its Food Lane Program.

This involves the transport of agricultural products from farms to markets, particularly in Metro Manila.

READ: Airport fee discounts to start April 1 – DOTr

“The DA’s goal is to encourage the 3,100 truckers previously registered to get their easy-to-renew accreditation,” Recto said.

The month-long toll-free privilege on major expressways, facilitated by the Department of Transportation and the Toll Regulatory Board, took effect last Monday, April 20.

For its part, the Philippine Ports Authority slashed the roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal fees for vehicles transporting agricultural goods to “just one peso” last April 10. /apl