Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar instructed the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and its partner government financing institutions to broaden their perspective in improving credit facilities for farmers and fisherfolk.

On September 13, 2019, the ACPC Governing Council explored additional funding opportunities to increase loans available for the agriculture sector.

The Council approved the additional P1 billion for the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid Program) during the meeting held at the Land Bank of the Philippines in Malate, Manila.

In response to the threat of the African Swine Fever, the ACPC will allocate a P60-million fund for the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Backyard Hog Raisers (SURE Hogs Program).

The Council also reviewed the Draft Bill Amending Republic Act No. 10000 or “The Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009” to “The Agricultural and Rural Financing System Act of 2019.”

In addition, LandBank proposed a new lending program to be called “PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan (PALAY ng Lalawigan). (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)