DA-ACPC grants loan payment relief to farmers, fishers amid energy crisis
The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) has introduced a loan payment moratorium for eligible farmers and fisherfolk, aiming to cushion rural communities from the impact of the ongoing energy crisis and rising production expenses.
The initiative is implemented under Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 2, series of 2017, which provides guidelines for the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program. This program offers financial support to farmers and fishers affected by disasters, emergencies, and economic disruptions.
The move also supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a State of National Energy Crisis, reflecting the government’s broader effort to protect vulnerable sectors from escalating fuel and electricity costs.
Qualified borrowers with existing and outstanding loans under DA-ACPC programs may apply for a temporary suspension of payments for up to one year. Applications will be evaluated and approved by Partner Lending Conduits, such as government financial institutions, rural banks, and cooperative banks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the moratorium is part of a wider, coordinated response ordered by the President to help the agriculture sector cope with rising input costs.
He noted that the measure complements ongoing efforts to strengthen rural resilience, ensuring farmers and fisherfolk have both immediate relief and continued access to credit despite external pressures.
DA-ACPC Executive Director Rallen O. Verdadero said the program is designed to give borrowers breathing space, allowing them to focus on household needs while restoring their productivity and livelihoods.
Loan applications will be assessed based on eligibility and current loan status, with priority given to borrowers in good standing who are facing temporary financial difficulties due to high energy costs.
The agency added that the moratorium is expected to reduce the risk of loan defaults, sustain rural economic activity, and contribute to national food security, as farmers continue to face mounting expenses in production and distribution.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
