IP women farmers in Norzagaray, Bulacan to benefit from DA-ACPC’s AgriPinay Program

Posted on March 31, 2022

DA-ACPC Director Cristina Lopez (middle) turns over the P1 million check for the implementation of the AgriPinay program in Norzagaray, Bulacan to NRBSL Vice President-Candidate Michael Mendoza (left) and Branch Supervisor and Marketing Officer of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Branch Jack Francisco (right).

DA-ACPC Program Development Director Cristina Lopez, representing DA-ACPC Executive Director Jocelyn Alma R. Badiola, led the ceremonial check turnover for P1 million in loan funds to the agency’s partner lending conduit, the New Rural Bank of San Leonardo (NRBSL) for the implementation of the AgriPinay program in Norzagaray, Bulacan on March 22, 2021. The funds will finance loans of eligible women Indigenous Peoples (IP) farmers, fish and livestock raisers. Vice President-Candidate and Area Marketing Supervisor Michael P. Mendoza, and Branch Supervisor and Marketing Officer of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Branch Jack Francisco received the check for NRBSL.

The AgriPinay is a special loan facility under the DA-ACPC’s Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) program, which offers zero-interest loans of up to P100,000 per borrower to women who are members of farming and fishing households, with priority given to IP group members. The loans will serve as capital for their startup or existing agri-fishery-based income-generating activities. Under the program, the DA Regional Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons shall endorse eligible borrowers to the DA-ACPC AgriPinay Focal Persons for review and submission to the ACPC’s partner lending conduit (PLC).

NRBSL Vice President-Candidate Michael Mendoza (rightmost) discusses the details of the AgriPinay program with 15 prospective beneficiaries, comprised of Katutubong Dumagat women farmers, fish and livestock raisers from Sitio Sapang Munti in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The check turnover was part of a series of activities, including the Agri-Aqua Trade Fair and graduation of TESDA NCII trainees held in Sitio Sapang Munti, Norzagaray, Bulacan and facilitated by Bausa Integrated Farm School, headed by Mr. Luis Bausa.

“Kami ay nagagalak na maging kabahagi ng ganitong programa. Bilang isang katuwang na bangko ng DA-ACPC, ang aming bangko ay may bisyon at misyon na matulungan ang agri sektor, at lalo na ang mga kababaihan sa sektor,” said Mr. Mendoza of the NRSBSL.

Director Lopez also delivered an inspirational message on behalf of Executive Director Badiola, addressed to the women farmers of the Katutubong Dumagat in the sitio. “Tandaan niyo: babae ka, hindi babae lang,” she said. “Walang imposible basta tayo ay patuloy na mangarap, magsikap, at tumulong sa iba. Nandito ang Department of Agriculture at ang ACPC na tumutulong sa inyo. Kaya ito na rin ang umpisa ng pagtulong ninyo sa sarili ninyo.”