The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to launch a new credit program aimed at supporting Filipino rice farmers by providing them with financial assistance and safeguarding their crops through insurance.
This Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program, which begins in October, is designed to help farmers meet their input needs and manage monthly expenses while waiting for their harvests.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has outlined the details of this innovative program, which is expected to enhance the productivity of irrigated farmlands across the country, as shared in a report by Philstar Global.
Overview: Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid
The program, named Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid, will be rolled out in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
It targets at least 50,000 rice farmers who are part of irrigators’ associations, offering them P60,000 each at a low-interest rate of just two percent.
This amount will be divided into two portions: P28,000 will be allocated for purchasing seeds and fertilizers, while the remaining P22,000 will be available for monthly withdrawals to cover the farmers’ daily expenses until their crops are harvested.
This program aims to provide rice farmers with the necessary resources to sustain their farming activities.
By offering low-interest credit, the DA hopes to alleviate the financial burden on farmers, particularly during the key periods between planting and harvesting.
Crop Insurance and Guaranteed Market Price
An essential component of the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid program is the inclusion of crop insurance.
Farmers who enroll in the program will have their crops insured against unforeseen events such as natural calamities.
This insurance coverage is designed to protect farmers from potential losses, thereby helping them maintain their livelihoods even in the face of adverse conditions.
In addition to providing financial assistance and insurance, the program also includes a contract farming scheme.
Under this arrangement, rice farmers will be assured of a market for their produce with a guaranteed price of P21 per kilogram.
This guaranteed price helps farmers secure a stable income, enabling them to plan their finances better and invest in their farming operations.
Expanding Insurance Coverage to Attract Young Farmers
Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of expanding insurance coverage as part of the DA’s broader strategy to make farming a more attractive and viable option, especially for younger generations.
He mentioned that the DA, in collaboration with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., is exploring ways to broaden the coverage of its insurance products.
Tiu Laurel believes that by making farming more financially secure through insurance, the sector can attract younger individuals who may have previously been hesitant to pursue a career in agriculture.
With better financial protections in place, farming can be transformed into a more bankable and sustainable profession.
Comprehensive Support for Farmers
The Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid program is part of the DA’s larger efforts to support the agricultural sector in the Philippines.
By providing both financial assistance and insurance, the program aims to address the immediate needs of farmers while also offering long-term solutions to improve their productivity and resilience.
This program reflects the DA’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and making sure that Filipino farmers have the resources they need to succeed.
As Tiu Laurel pointed out, “As long as they perform, then they will be provided credit continuously.”
This statement underscores the DA’s intention to offer ongoing support to farmers who are committed to improving their agricultural practices.
Eligibility
The Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program is designed to support rice farmers in the Philippines by providing them with financial assistance to enhance their farming operations.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Land Ownership: The program is open to farmers who cultivate 1 to 2 hectares of land.
This warrants that the financial assistance is directed towards small-scale farmers who can benefit most from the support.
- Residency and Farming Activity: Applicants must provide a certification from their barangay captain or Barangay Agricultural and Fisheries Council (BARC) Chairman, confirming that they are actively farming the land.
This certification serves as proof that the applicant is engaged in agricultural activities within the community.
- Identification and Documentation: Applicants are required to present a valid government-issued ID, a recent 2×2 photograph, and proof of billing.
These documents are necessary to verify the identity and address of the applicant.
- Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) Registration: If available, applicants should also provide their registration with the RSBSA, which is a national registry for farmers, fishers, and other agricultural workers.
This registration helps streamline the application process and confirms the applicant’s involvement in the agricultural sector.
Farmers who meet these eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for the program to receive financial assistance that will help them improve their farming practices and manage their daily expenses.
Application Process
The application process for the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program has been made as straightforward as possible to accommodate the needs of farmers.
Here’s how eligible farmers can apply:
1. Prepare the Required Documents: Before applying, farmers should gather all necessary documents, including:
-
- Â a valid government-issued ID,
- a recent 2×2 photo,
- proof of billing, and
- the certification from their barangay captain or BARC Chairman.
* If they have RSBSA registration, they should include this as well.
2. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted in person at the designated local office handling the program.
In the case of Guimba, for example, the office has extended its operating hours, including the weekend of September 7 and 8, to accommodate more applicants.
3. Biometrics and Intervention Monitoring Card (IMC) Registration: After submitting their application, farmers who are successfully onboarded into the program will undergo a biometrics registration.
This step is necessary to issue the Intervention Monitoring Card (IMC), which will be used to access the loan and monitor the assistance provided.
4. Receive and Use the Loan: Once the IMC is issued, farmers will receive P60,000 in financial assistance.
Of this amount, P28,000 will be allocated for inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel, which can be accessed from designated partner merchants using the QR code on the IMC.
The remaining P32,000 will be disbursed in cash over four months, with P8,000 available for withdrawal each month through bank ATMs or Western Union outlets.
5. Monitor and Manage the Loan: Farmers are encouraged to manage their loans responsibly and keep track of their expenses.
The DA will monitor the usage of funds through the IMC, and continuous credit will be provided to those who perform well and adhere to the terms of the program.
The pilot launch of this program will take place in Guimba on September 13, coinciding with the birthday of President Bongbong Marcos, who will also be the guest of honor at the event.
Farmers who wish to apply are urged to complete their applications before the extended deadline to benefit from this valuable financial support.
Video: Agri Puhunan at Pantawid Program ng Dept. of Agriculture extended hanggang sa Linggo, Sept. 8
The Department of Agriculture extended the Guimba farmers’ Agri-Puhunan Program application deadline to September 8, with only 3000 applicants so far. The office will accept applications this weekend, conducting biometrics for onboarded farmers at the Center Coop warehouse. The loan service offers a P60,000 investment for farmers with 1 to 2 hectares, accessible through the IMC with a 2% interest rate. NACATAMAACO IA will assist in the loan process, with P28,000 for inputs and P32,000 withdrawable monthly. Guimba was chosen for the pilot launch on September 13, coinciding with President Bongbong Marcos’s birthday, where he will distribute IMCs as the guest of honor.
Conclusion
The Department of Agriculture’s new credit program, Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid, represents a meaningful step forward in supporting Filipino rice farmers.
With its combination of financial assistance, crop insurance, and guaranteed market prices, the program is designed to help farmers overcome the challenges they face and improve their livelihoods.
As the program begins its rollout next month, it is set to make a considerable impact on the agricultural sector, contributing to the growth and development of the Philippines’ farming communities.