ILOILO City – Western Visayas is one of four regions eligible for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) P300-million Agri-Negosyo Program and Calibrated Swine Repopulation for Green Zones of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
According to Glen Mariano, regional livestock program coordinator, the region is a priority since it is under green zone or African Swine Fever (ASF)-free.
“The focus is more on the support to green zones for repopulation and strengthening of our hog industry in Western Visayas,” Mariano said on Tuesday.
Under the program, hog raisers can get a loan for a minimum of P300,000 and a maximum of P15 million, depending on whether they are backyard or commercial producers.
It will be channeled through the ACPC’s lending conduits with zero interest and with a five-year maturity depending on the cash flow.
“The eligibility is more on purpose of production, processing, and marketing specifically for our partners, corporations, individuals, sole proprietorship and backyard raisers,” DA-6 regional director Remelyn Recoter said.
Since it was only launched last week, a series of orientations will be held on Sept. 16 to 17 for the specific requirements on how to access the loan program.
Dr. Jonic Natividad, chairman of the ASF Task Force, explained that backyard farmers interested in participating in the loan program must register with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
They should also ensure that their stocks are insured with the Philippine Crop Insurance System, as they would be indemnified through the state crop insurer in the event of a loss.
Additionally, Region 4B (Mimaropa), Region 7 (Central Visayas), and Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) are eligible for the lending program.(PNA/PN)
