LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Landbank of the Philippines granted 15 Million pesos monetary assistance to ten service conduits (Farmers’ groups and associations) of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) thru the Agriculture and Fisheries Financing Program (AFFP) extended by the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
Among these service conduits are the Bosigan MPCI, Lower Sayapot Farmers Association, Lower Amgaleyguey Lengaoan Sebang Farmers Environment Livelihood Organization (LALSFELO), Nakiangan Women’s Association, Mamuyod Women’s Rural Improvement Club, Nacagang Baculongan Norte Women’s Association, Society’s Awareness on Livelihood & Environmental Needs for Growth (SALENG), Inc., Sinisip Vendor Association, Anus Layad Aywanam Salun-at Kabadang Association, Sinisip Am-Gam Pines Farmers Association, Inc.
According to Dr Danilo P. Daguio, Department of Agriculture Regional Technical Director for Operations and Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center Chief Operations Officer (BAPTC-COO), the 15 million grants benefited around 68 small farmers in BAPTC.
The AFFP has a “streamlined” design to make financing accessible to small farmers and fisherfolks, particularly for those who are registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) easier. It is implemented in 41 priority provinces through the Land Bank of the Philippines and the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC).
The monetary assistance should cover costs of production such as purchase of inputs for corn, high value crops, livestock/poultry and fish production, as well as the costs of processing and trading these products and should finance the acquisition of tools, equipment and machineries needed in producing/growing, processing and trading of crops, livestock/poultry and fish.
By Danica Tomin