Manila, April 21 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured the "immediate" effect of the free toll assistance program on retail prices of agricultural commodities despite the energy emergency in the Philippines.

This comes as the DA, in partnership with tollway companies, activated on April 20 the food lane under the month-long free toll program for vehicles carrying agricultural seeds and crops, livestock and fish products, fertilizers and pesticides, as well as farm machinery.

In a press conference, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said the free toll would help reduce transport costs for agricultural truckers.

"Ang epekto nito ay immediate. Kasi nagsimula ng Lunes, nabawasan ang gastusin nila. Dapat magre-reflect i...