More Farmers Access Faster Loan Processing Through DA Digital Platform
MANILA — More Filipino farmers are benefiting from faster access to agricultural financing through the accelerated loan process under the Agri-Puhunan and Pantawid (APP) Program, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize and digitalize the country’s agriculture sector.
He noted that improving farmers’ access to credit and support services allows them to invest in farm productivity, strengthen food security, and build a more resilient agricultural industry.
Recently, around 230 farmers from Negros Oriental applied for loans under the APP Program through the upgraded Agri-Credit e-Portal (ACE Portal 2.0), developed by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
The ACE Portal 2.0 streamlines the loan application process by simplifying data encoding, verification, and approval procedures. The digital platform helps eliminate lengthy paperwork that often discourages farmers from applying for credit.
So far, 3,808 farmers nationwide have already enrolled in the APP Program, reflecting the growing use of digital platforms to expand access to government financial services in the agriculture sector.
The system also allows farmers to register and complete their loan applications during barangay-level onboarding activities. To speed up eligibility checks, the portal is linked to the DA’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
In addition, the platform is integrated with the Interventions Monitoring Card of Universal Storefront Services Corporation, which functions as a debit card where farmers receive their loan proceeds.
Under the APP Program, rice farmers cultivating between 0.7 and 7 hectares may borrow up to P60,000 per hectare as working capital. The loan package also includes free crop insurance and government-backed purchase of harvested rice.
Officials said the program aims to make financial assistance more accessible to farmers while supporting the modernization of Philippine agriculture.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
