Free toll for trucks hauling agricultural products will take effect on April 20, benefiting more than 1,000 trucks currently accredited under the Food Lane program, as part of a broader push to ease logistics costs, stabilize food prices, and protect farmers’ incomes amid rising fuel costs.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the exemption—facilitated by the Department of Transportation (DoTR) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)—will take effect on April 20 and apply to DA-accredited cargo vehicles. The measure will run for one month, subject to review for a possible extension.
Initial estimates suggest the toll waiver could generate substantial savings. For the 1,162 trucks currently accredited under the Food Lane program, savings of PHP1,500 to PHP3,000 per trip could translate to PHP52 million to PHP105 million over one month. The figure could rise further if more than 3,100 previously registered trucks renew their accreditation.
Participating vehicles must be registered with A regional offices. The approved list will be submitted to the TRB for monitoring and coordination. Truckers with outstanding toll arrears may still join, but will be placed under structured payment arrangements with toll operators to help them settle unpaid balances.
The 1,162 accredited trucks can move up to 7 million kilos of food daily, supporting some 3,500 farmers and helping ensure steady supply flows into major consumption centers.
Transport expenses alone add around PHP2 to PHP5 per kilo to retail food prices, according to the DA, underscoring how logistics costs quickly pass through to consumers and contribute to inflationary pressures, particularly for essential food items.
“We thank our tollway concessionaires for embodying the Bayanihan spirit. This will help cushion the impact of higher fuel prices on food supply and affordability, and help protect farmers’ incomes during these challenging times,” Tiu Laurel said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DA and other government agencies to find ways to help agricultural stakeholders better cope with rising costs stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to safeguard domestic food security.
The intervention comes as fuel prices continue to climb, squeezing margins across the food supply chain. Truckers have been among the hardest hit, with some operators scaling back trips or limiting routes to avoid losses, raising concerns about timely delivery of produce from farms to markets.
The DA has also begun deploying its own trucks in key production areas such as Benguet, ensuring farmers can continue delivering produce to markets despite tighter transport capacity. The move is intended to prevent bottlenecks that could lead to spoilage, supply gaps, and price spikes.
While the measure offers near-term relief—particularly for vegetables and other perishables—it also underscores the need for longer-term logistics reforms to shield the country’s food system from recurring oil price shocks and external disruptions.
