The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) along with its partner lending conduit, Oisca Farm Multipurpose Cooperative facilitated the initial P2.75 million loan release to 110 marginalized and small farmers and fishers (MSFF) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Under the Expanded SURE Aid and Recovery Project (SURE COVID-19), each beneficiary is entitled to an emergency loan worth P25,000, a non-collateralized, zero-interest loan payable up to 10 years.

The SURE COVID-19 program supports farmers and fishers whose incomes were affected by a series of lockdowns following the current health crisis. However, DA-ACPC extended its financial assistance to farmers and fishers affected by the Marawi siege way back in 2017. Such funds were used as capital to revive production of rice, corn, aquaculture, and other agri products.

ACPC focal person Rocania Palo, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR)-ACPC coordinator Lindy Cati-Ir, and Assistant Minister Amal Solaiman conducted orientations and assisted the MSFF-beneficiaries in the application and processing of loans, with strict adherence to health protocols to ensure the safety of all participants.