The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has allocated PHP500 million worth of credit for farmers in the region affected by Typhoon “Odette” last year.
In a statement Monday, DA-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said the fund forms part of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) whose implementation is guided by the Survival and Recovery (Sure) Assistance program across the country, including areas in Norther Mindanao that were declared under state of calamity after the typhoon entered the country in December 2021.
“Of the total amount, we have an allocation for Region 10 amounting to PHP75-M in support of the government’s goal in helping agricultural households badly hit by the typhoon,” he said.
Data from DA-10 indicated that the region has a total of 17,000 affected farmers and fishers due to the onslaught of “Odette.”
Under the Sure program, small farmers and fishers may borrow with no interest and collateral, while loan amount is payable up to three years, wherein only one borrower is allowed per household.
Noel Clarence M. Ducusin, DA-ACPC program development division chief and Visayas-Mindanao head, said the loan amount is intended to provide relief and aid in rehabilitating the farming and fishing activities of affected farmers and fisherfolks thru credit for the purchase of production inputs, repair of farm or fishery assets, and acquisition of livestock or work animals.
Priority shall be given to farmers and fishermen identified and endorsed by the agricultures offices of provincial and local governments and are duly registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and the Fisherfolk Registration program.
DA-10 Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga said no calamity or pandemic can hinder the services of the agency, especially in these trying times where the agency is needed the most.
“This is our way of helping our small farmers and fisherfolk, as they play a crucial role in ensuring food availability and security in our region,” she said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
