As part of the government’s initiative to engage the youth in agriculture and to revive the cattle industry in the country, the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) launched the Credit Program for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) in Ilocos Norte on March 8, 2023 at the Badoc Auction Market, Badoc, Ilocos Norte. 

A total of 22 young farmers from the Municipalities of Banna, Solsona and Badoc received P4.4 million worth of loans which they used to purchase 66 heads of cattle with the help of the DA. The Ilocos Consolidated Cooperative Bank (ICCB), one of ACPC’s partner lending conduits in the said region, disbursed said loans to the beneficiaries. 

Under the Credit Program for OSY, 18 to 24 years old out-of-school youth may borrow up to P200,000 loan that may be used to acquire cattle stock, feeds, and vet supplies, to construct cattle housing and to cover the cost of labor. 

Ilocos Norte 2nd District representative Cong. Angelo Marcos Barba and Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc who was represented by Board Member Jonathan Torralba attended the loan release ceremony. Also present during the event were ACPC officials including Deputy Executive Director Ma. Cristina Lopez, Director Jonathan Giray and Division Chief Noel Clarence Ducusin.