The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s (DA-ACPC) Information Systems Management Division (ISMD) successfully conducted a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing data management practices among its Partner Lending Conduits (PLCs). The first assessment workshop was conducted on November 27–30, 2024, in Pasig City, focused on optimizing the use of the Agri-Credit Electronic Portal (ACE Portal).
The ACE Portal is an innovative online platform utilized by 270 active PLCs to streamline the submission of loan disbursement reports (LDRs). This system significantly reduces errors and accelerates data consolidation and report generation compared to manual processes.
In her opening remarks, DA-ACPC OIC Executive Director Ma. Cristina Lopez emphasized the crucial role of the ACE Portal in ensuring precise and timely reporting.
“Ang ACE Portal ay mahalaga sa ating reporting process. Nakasalalay dito ang accurate at timely na reporting mula sa ating mga Partner Lending Conduits (PLCs),” said OIC ED Lopez.
She added, “Sa workshop na ito, gusto naming ma-inspire ang lahat na gamitin ang sistema nang maayos. Ang tagumpay ng ating mga programa ay nakadepende sa quality at precision ng data na nilalagay sa portal.”
The workshop provided an opportunity to assess the portal’s effectiveness, address challenges faced by PLCs, and gather feedback for system improvements.
ACPC Director for Program Monitoring & Information Systems Management Norman William Kraft, in his welcome message, underscored the significance of personally engaging with ACE Portal users.
“In this very first Assessment Workshop on the Use of the ACPC ACE Portal or Agri Credit Electronic Portal, sinadya at siniguro natin na imbitahan ang mga gumagamit ng ACE Portal o ang mga ACE Portal users ng ating Partner Lending Conduits (PLCs) dahil gusto natin silang personal na makilala at pasalamatan sa kanilang napaka-importanteng role na ginagampanan sa mga programa ng DA-ACPC to boost data management through timely, accurate reporting.” Director Kraft said.
During the workshop, specific difficulties were presented by the PLCs. These include coordination issues as well as a lack of awareness of some of the participants about the ACE portal, which gave rise to a recommendation to also conduct refresher briefings on the digital reporting platform.
Meanwhile, Director Kraft announced that similar workshops will be conducted annually to ensure continuous consultation with PLCs.
“This will not be the last time we gather like this. We aim to make this an annual event to maintain open communication and foster collaboration,” he added.
The ACE Portal enables DA-ACPC to minimize errors, track loan disbursements against downloaded funds, and monitor credit delivery to beneficiaries.
ISMD Chief Joel Q. Matira expressed gratitude to the PLCs for their active participation and valuable insights.
“Sa ngalan ng organizing team, lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong aktibong pakikibahagi sa ACE Portal Assessment Workshop. Ang inyong presensya at pagbibigay ng mahahalagang feedback ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa pagpapabuti ng platform na ito. Sa bawat comment, suggestion, at idea na ibinahagi ninyo, mas napalalim ang aming pag-unawa sa mga pangangailangan at challenges na kailangang tugunan,” Mr. Matira said.
He encouraged continued collaboration, adding, “Let us stay connected, share ideas, and work together to make the ACE Portal a more effective and efficient tool for everyone.”
The workshop was attended by 54 participants, including 31 authorized ACE Portal users representing PLCs from Regions III and IV-A.
One of the participants, Hazzel Santiago De Jesus of the Rizal Public Market Vendors and Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative in Nueva Ecija, expressed her gratitude to DA-ACPC.
“Ang aming kooperatiba ay taos pusong nagppapasalamat sa ACPC dahil bilang PLC, nagiging tulay kami para maabot ang maganda at kapakipakinabang na programa ng gobyerno sa ating mga kabababayan,” she said. “Dahil sa puhunang pahiram ng gobyerno na may mababang interes, nakakapag-save na ang mga nakahiram sa programa at unti-unting umaangat ang antas ng kanilang pamumuhay,”she added.
