To ensure business sustainability amid the current pandemic, the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) released a total of P5 million loan funds to Carmen Agricultural Resources Development Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CARD MPC) in North Cotabato.

CARD MPC is a producer of certified palay seeds, corn seeds, and organic fertilizer. However, their agri-trading business was affected by a series of lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic, causing a stall in their usual operations.

But for Coop Manager Nasser Ali, this must not hinder them in serving farmers and fishers in the Bangsamoro Muslim (Maguindanaoan) in Carmen, North Cotabato.

“We consider it a great privilege to serve our farmers and fishers in our municipality,” Ali shared.

ACPC’s Program Management Officer for North Cotabato Farra Leopoldo Penas facilitated the processing and release of loan through the Development Bank of the Philippines despite restrictions in public transportation while strictly adhering to health protocols.

Under the DA-ACPC SURE COVID-19 program, agriculture and fishery-based micro and small enterprises (MSEs) may avail loans of up to P 10 million working capital with zero-interest, payable in five years.