DA Free Toll ‘Food Lane’ to Immediately Ease Agri Prices Amid Fuel Hikes

Lifestyle | Food Posted on 2026-04-22 01:31:05

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured that its free toll assistance program will have an “immediate” impact on lowering retail prices of agricultural products, despite the ongoing energy challenges in the country.

The DA, in partnership with tollway operators, activated the “food lane” initiative on April 20, granting one-month free toll access to vehicles transporting:

• Agricultural seeds and crops
• Livestock and fishery products
• Fertilizers and pesticides
• Farm machinery

During a press briefing, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said the program is expected to directly reduce transportation costs for agricultural truckers.

“Ang epekto nito ay immediate... nabawasan ang gastusin nila. Dapat magre-reflect ito sa presyo sa palengke,” he said, emphasizing that lower transport expenses should translate to reduced market prices.

Earlier, the DA projected a possible PHP2 to PHP5 per kilogram increase in agricultural goods due to rising fuel prices. However, with the food lane in place, total savings of up to PHP152 million are expected.

This includes estimated savings of:

• PHP1,500 to PHP3,000 per trip (Northern Luzon to Metro Manila)
• Up to PHP6,000 per trip (North to South Luzon)

“Kapag nabawas ito, dapat mararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan sa presyo ng kanilang binibili,” De Mesa added.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative will help maintain stable food supply chains amid fuel price volatility.

“This is about keeping food moving when energy shocks threaten to slow everything down,” he said, warning that transport delays could lead to higher costs and shortages.

Currently, around 1,162 accredited truckers in Luzon can transport up to 7 million kilograms of agricultural goods daily.

The DA is encouraging more truckers to secure accreditation to expand the program’s reach.

DA Undersecretary Arrey Perez said the agency aims to include over 4,000 agricultural truckers, including those accredited during the pandemic.

“Pinadali namin ang proseso... gusto namin na mas maramdaman ito ng Pilipino,” he said, noting efforts to simplify application procedures and widen eligibility.

Applicants can receive approval within 24 hours by submitting:

• Application form
• DA accreditation certificate
• Easytrip or Autosweep RFID

The program now covers vehicles under Classifications 1, 2, and 3.

If the target is reached, the initiative could move up to 16 million kilograms of agricultural goods daily across Luzon.

The free toll program is implemented through a government-private sector partnership, with no direct government subsidy.

It covers major expressways, including:

• TPLEX, SCTEX, NLEX (and connectors)
• Skyway, SLEX
• CAVITEX, CALAX, and STAR Tollway

In addition, the DA secured a Piso Ro-Ro terminal fee for agricultural truckers in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority.

Authorities said possible program extensions will depend on stakeholder approval, especially in light of global oil price movements linked to Middle East tensions.

NPO News Team | PNA Philippine News Agency - PR

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