When disaster strikes—whether it’s a typhoon, flood, or drought—farmers and fisherfolk often lose more than crops or catch. They lose their source of income, their tools for survival, and sometimes, their hope. That’s where the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance Program steps in.
This initiative by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) gives farmers and fisherfolk a fighting chance. With zero-interest loans and simple application steps, it’s a practical and much-needed lifeline.
What Is the SURE Assistance Program?
The SURE Assistance Program is a financial support initiative for small farmers and fisherfolk who are struggling to recover from the effects of natural disasters. It is designed to help them bounce back quickly and continue their livelihood with minimal debt burden.
Purpose of the Program
The goal of the program is to:
- Provide quick access to funds for emergency recovery.
- Reduce reliance on high-interest loans from informal lenders.
- Help rebuild farms and fishing operations without heavy financial pressure.
Key Features of the SURE Assistance Program
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering applying:
| Feature | Details |
| Loan Amount | Up to ₱25,000 per borrower |
| Interest Rate | 0% (with a possible 3% service fee) |
| Repayment Term | Up to 3 years, with a 1-year grace period |
| Eligibility | Must be from a calamity-declared area |
| Distribution Partners | Rural banks, cooperatives, lending partners |
This means if you borrow ₱25,000, you won’t pay interest—but you may be charged a 3% service fee (₱750). You don’t have to make any payments during the first year, and after that, you can pay gradually within the next two years.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the SURE Assistance Program, you must:
- Be a farmer or fisherfolk directly affected by a natural disaster.
- Live in an area officially declared under a state of calamity.
- Be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
If you’re not yet registered with the RSBSA, this is your first step. It’s a database used by the government to ensure support is directed to legitimate beneficiaries.
How to Apply
The SURE program is designed to be simple and accessible, especially during times of crisis.
- Register with RSBSA
Make sure you’re enrolled in the RSBSA. Visit your local Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) or Barangay Agriculture Technician for help with registration.
- Wait for Endorsement
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Offices work closely with local MAOs to identify and endorse eligible applicants. If your area is declared under a state of calamity, coordinate with your local agriculture office.
- Loan Processing
Once endorsed, your loan application will be handled by a partner lending conduit. These can be:
- Accredited cooperatives
- Rural banks
- Other DA-approved financial institutions
They will guide you through the loan paperwork, explain the repayment terms, and release the funds once approved.
Why This Program Matters
Many farmers and fisherfolk turn to private lenders after calamities. These lenders often charge high interest rates, trapping them in a cycle of debt. The SURE Program helps break that cycle by providing safe, fair, and interest-free financing.
Benefits of the SURE Program:
- Quick financial relief without the stress of large monthly payments.
- Protection against loan sharks and predatory lenders.
- A path toward rebuilding and recovery after crisis.
- Government-supported initiative, making it more reliable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need collateral to apply?
No. The SURE Assistance Program does not require collateral for the ₱25,000 loan. - What if I can’t repay after 3 years?
While repayment terms are generous, it’s best to coordinate with your lending conduit early if you foresee difficulties. Some partner banks may allow restructuring, but this is not guaranteed. - Can I apply more than once?
You may reapply if another disaster affects your area and the DA reopens the program, but approval depends on the availability of funds and your past repayment performance. - What if my area isn’t declared under a state of calamity?
Unfortunately, only those in officially declared calamity areas are eligible. Always monitor announcements from your local government and DA Regional Office. - Where can I learn more?
Visit the ACPC website at www.acpc.gov.ph or contact the Department of Agriculture for updates and assistance.
Video: AgriCREDITBalita Ep 7: SURE Assistance Program Fund, Aprubado
This video explores the recently approved Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance Program Fund by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) in the Philippines. This initiative is designed to provide financial support to farmers and fisherfolk who are struggling due to various crises, ensuring they can continue their agricultural activities and recover from setbacks.
Through this program, eligible beneficiaries can access financial aid, helping them sustain their livelihoods and enhance their productivity. The video delves into the specific details of the fund, including eligibility requirements, loan amounts, and how interested individuals can apply. Additionally, it highlights real-life impact stories, showcasing how this assistance contributes to the resilience of local agricultural communities.
The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) remains committed to empowering farmers and fisherfolk through accessible financial resources. By facilitating economic recovery in rural sectors, the SURE Assistance Program plays a vital role in sustaining agricultural development in the Philippines.
Watch the full video to learn more about how this program can benefit farmers and fisherfolk, and visit the DA-ACPC’s official website for additional information
Conclusion
The SURE Assistance Program reflects a simple but powerful idea: when farmers and fisherfolk suffer, we all suffer. After all, they are the ones who grow our food and feed our communities.
By giving affected individuals a real chance to recover, this program helps stabilize local economies, prevent deeper poverty, and restore hope in the aftermath of disaster.
If you or someone you know is a smallholder struggling after a calamity, don’t wait. Ask your Municipal Agriculture Office about the SURE Assistance Program. It might just be the first step to getting your life—and livelihood—back on track.