TOLLWAY operators have agreed to temporarily waive fees for vehicles transporting agricultural goods to reduce the cost of farm logistics, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told a House hearing late on Monday that major expressway operators have agreed to suspend toll charges for one month for trucks hauling agricultural commodities.
“We have already spoken with (the operators of) North Luzon Expressway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, and other road networks. They agreed to impose no toll fee for agricultural trucks for one month on major expressways,” he said.
Mr. Laurel told reporters separately that tollway operators are expected to formally announce the toll relief soon.
He added that the DA is hoping the suspension of toll fees can be implemented within the month.
The Agriculture secretary said the DA is also discussing with the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Port Authority to prioritize agricultural cargo in ports, particularly for roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) services.
“If rates cannot be reduced, at least agricultural goods should be given priority for Ro-Ro loading, because the quality of produce degrades,” he said. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel
