In a bold effort to strengthen the agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture has officially launched the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program (APP)—a major initiative aimed at providing affordable credit and direct financial assistance to farmers across the country. The launch took place in Alabel, Sarangani, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The APP addresses a critical issue faced by many farmers: lack of access to affordable capital. Under the program, qualified farmers can borrow up to ₱60,000 per cropping season at an interest rate of only 2% annually—a significant departure from traditional high-interest loan systems.
“Starting today, you no longer need to worry about high interest rates when borrowing money,” the President declared during the ceremony.
Flexible Loan Repayment Through NFA and Accredited Co-ops
To make repayments easier, farmers may settle their loans by selling their harvest to the National Food Authority (NFA) or through Department of Agriculture-accredited cooperatives. This ensures a market for their produce while simplifying the repayment process.
₱8,000 Monthly Allowance from Planting to Harvest
One of the standout features of the APP is its monthly cash subsidy. Beneficiaries will receive ₱8,000 every month for four months, covering the entire cropping cycle—from planting to harvesting. Disbursements are scheduled during the first week of each month, providing consistent support during the most financially demanding period.
“From the time you plant to when you harvest, we’ll provide a subsidy to help sustain your daily needs,” Marcos added.
Access to Farming Supplies and Equipment
Farmers enrolled in the program will also be issued Intervention Monitoring Cards, which act as digital vouchers and can be used to buy agricultural supplies like fertilizers, seeds, and tools from authorized dealers.
In addition, the President highlighted the distribution of modern farm equipment, including mobile disinfection trucks and forage choppers, which are expected to boost productivity and income for farming communities.