The PSU-MPC has taken up the mantle of empowering its members in Palawan through the credit programs provided by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). In doing so, it has become a beacon of hope and progress for the people of this island province known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
PSU-MPC became a partner lending conduit (PLC) of the ACPC in 2022 in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette’s devastation. It was for the implementation of the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance Program which provided P28.5 million loans to almost 3,000 borrowers from various municipalities. Loans under the SURE were used by small farmers and fishers to provide immediate relief from the effects of the calamity and for rehabilitating their farming and fishing activities.
Their collaboration continued with the implementation of the Agri-Negosyo and the Young Agripreneurs Loan Program from September 2022 to May 2023. Through the programs, which offers no interest, no collateral requirements and has flexible loan term, more than P16 million loans were provided to 267 Palaweño small farmers and fishers.
The said programs financed their capital requirements that enabled them to boost the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of their agri or fishery activities.
“Malaking tulong ang mga programa ng ACPC sa aming mga members dahil nabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng kapital upang mapabuti ang kanilang kabuhayan” said PSU-MPC Manager Jessica Rodriguez.
In a region where communities are reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, PSU-MPC recognized not only the need for financial inclusion for its members but also financial literacy.
“Nagbibigay kami ng mga training sa kanila tungkol sa livelihood at financial management upang maituro sa kanila ang maayos na paggamit sa kanilang pera,” explained Ms. Rodriguez. “In terms of collection, hindi kami nahihirapan dahil kumikita ang kanilang pagsasaka,” she added.
To further intensify their capacity building program, the PSU-MPC is also working towards becoming a training partner of ACPC in financial literacy and other training activities.
PSU-MPC’s partnership with ACPC underscores the potential of cooperative efforts in driving sustainable development and economic progress.
“We are committed to continuing this partnership and expanding our efforts to support even more members in the future,” said Ms. Rodriguez, adding that they continuously monitor the projects of their borrowers to determine how they can further assist them.
Witnessing the tangible improvements in the livelihoods of their members, Ms. Rodriguez mentioned how fulfilling it is to lead the cooperative. “Overwhelming ang pakiramdam dahil madami ang natutulungan ng cooperative. Nakikita namin yung positive impact sa kanilang buhay,” she shared.
