The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) honored a total of 62 partner lending conduits (PLCs) during the 2nd Gawad sa Paglingap sa Magsasaka at Mangingisda (Gawad Lingap Awards) on April 28, 2022 in Quezon City.
The Gawad Lingap Awards, held every two years, recognizes financial institutions nationwide which have given outstanding and exemplary contributions in the implementation of DA-ACPC’s innovative credit programs for small farmers and fisherfolk and micro and small agri-fishery enterprises.
Themed as “Cooperation and Collaboration with PLCs: Overcoming Challenges Amid and Beyond the Pandemic,” the ceremony bestowed awards to various government banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, and cooperatives that stepped up in the frontlines to provide much needed credit support to farmers, fishers and agripreneurs in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak and when the strictest restrictions were imposed.
“We want you to know that your efforts and sacrifices are well-recognized and have significant impact to the agriculture and fisheries sectors,” said DA Secretary and ACPC Chair William Dar during his Keynote Message.
“Because of your steadfast commitment and support to the Department of Agriculture’s goal, we were able to ensure food security for all in the face of this devastating global crisis,” the Secretary added.
“As our partner lending conduits, you have helped us reached the unbanked sector and boost the financial inclusion of farmers and fisherfolk in the countryside,” ACPC Executive Director Jocelyn Alma Badiola said. “As of December 2021, we were able to reach 436 out of 496 unbanked municipalities.”
“It takes a coordinated whole of government effort to make the rural sector thrive. Trying your best and serving as partner lending conduits even in the midst of challenges is crucial, and I would like to thank you for what you have done,” Monetary Board Member and ACPC Vice Chair Bruce Tolentino said.
With its partner lending conduits on the ground, the DA-ACPC was able to provide almost P5 billion in loans to 91,241 small farmers and fisherfolk and 426 micro and small enterprises and organizations in 2020.
Remarkably, the DA-ACPC and its PLCs improved its credit support in 2021 as they were able to extend more than P5.39 billion in loans to almost 96,000 individuals and 396 enterprises nationwide.
In her acceptance speech, President Myrna Sescon of the Mindanao Consolidated Cooperative Bank (MCCB) commended the ACPC for providing avenues to support and promote rural finance which improves the quality of lives of the people in the countryside.
President Abundio Quililan of the New Rural Bank of San Leonardo (NRBSL), on the other hand, said that DA-ACPC’s affordable loan programs allowed them to continue to serve the agri-fishery sector. “Malugod po naming tinatanggap at nagpapasalamat ng NRBSL ang parangal na ipinagkaloob sa amin ng DA-ACPC,” said President Quililan.
“This award is a testament to our commitment to provide quality service and inclusivity as embodied in our core values. We are honored and blessed to be given this opportunity to serve our farmers and fisherfolk,” said Chief Operations Officer Mizpah Taala of the Metro Ormoc Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OCCCI).
The DA-ACPC also conferred Gawad Lingap Special Awards to two of its partner government banks – the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
“It is our honor to receive this award which underscores LANDBANK’s dedication to serve the unbanked and underserved, promote inclusive and sustainable growth and respond to the dynamic needs of our mandated and priority sectors,” LANDBANK Vice President Esperanza Martinez said.
“We are delighted to be part of the different credit programs of DA-ACPC. We have always believed that development is about partnership and thus, we do hope to continue to expand our partnership in the agriculture sector,” said DBP Vice President Noli Cruz.
Click the link to watch the 2nd Gawad Lingap Awards via the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/agricreditpolicycouncil/videos/1338638839952700/