The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC), in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), led the conduct of the first-ever National Info Caravan on Agri-Fishery Credit Programs via Facebook live on June 24, 2021.
Through the National Info Caravan, the government’s various affordable, innovative, and convenient loan programs were explained to farmers, fishers, agripreneurs, and those who are contemplating engaging in agriculture and fishery.
Featured panelists in the activity were Deputy Director Rochelle Tomas who discussed BSP’s financial inclusion initiatives; Program Development Division Chiefs Allen Ducusin and Ding Pereyra who presented ACPC’s credit programs; Program Officer Edgardo De Guzman who shared LANDBANK’s loan programs; and Assistant Vice President Rallen Verdadero who talked about DBP’s credit programs.
“Agricultural credit is key to leveling up the agri and fishery sector’s competitiveness. With additional capital, our farmers and fisherfolk can modernize and grow their ventures into bonafide businesses and become empowered agripreneurs,” said DA Secretary William Dar during his keynote message.
“We want our farmers and fishers to learn more about the ongoing loan programs that they can avail themselves of and at the same time learn about the government’s initiatives on financial education,” said DA-ACPC Executive Director Jocelyn Alma Badiola. “We must uplift our farmers and fishers not just through grants and subsidies but also through improving their access to credit and other financial services,” she added.
During the virtual event, which coincided with the 123rd anniversary of the DA, LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo and DBP President Emmanuel Herbosa also expressed their unwavering commitment to helping farmers and fishers earn more profit by boosting their productivity and making their overall process more efficient.
“Handa ang aming tanggapan na tumulong sa inyong pag-a-apply sa ating mga programa upang matugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan,” LANDBANK President and CEO Borromeo said.
“DBP will never lose sight of its commitment to extend every possible assistance towards the transformation of our farmer-beneficiaries into efficient producers,” said DBP President Herbosa.
To re-watch the National Info Caravan on Agri-Fishery Credit Programs, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/agricreditpolicycouncil/videos/965987527552883/
DA Secretary William Dar, during his keynote speech, said that the sector will continue to thrive because COVID-19 cannot lock down agriculture
Executive Director Jocelyn Alma Badiola, during her welcome remarks, encouraged farmers and fishers to take advantage of DA-ACPC’s programs and assistance whether their goal is to start or expand their ventures.
President Emmanuel Herbosa assured that DBP will not lose sight of giving assistance to the marginalized and it will continue to be a catalyst of countrywide growth and development especially in the agriculture sector.
President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo reported that LANDBANK was able to help 2,734,572 farmers and fisherfolk through its different lending programs, cash assistance and financial literacy trainings.
Contact details of the participating agencies during the National Info Caravan on Agri-Fishery Credit Program