(Photo by PNA)
MANILA – Nearly 4,000 farmers and members of rural communities in Bulacan, Tarlac and Davao are expected to gain greater access to financial services, training and market opportunities through a partnership between the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor Asia (CAMP Asia).
LandBank said Thursday the partnership agreement, signed on Oct. 6, will tap the bank’s Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development (ASCEND) Program.
Under the initiative, qualified agricultural workers, indigenous peoples, youth and other underserved groups will receive digital and financial literacy training, loan orientations, enterprise development assistance and market linkages.
“Our farmers and rural communities have the potential to build thriving and sustainable enterprises when given the right support,” LandBank President and CEO Lynette Ortiz said.
Ortiz said combining LandBank’s financial services and development programs with CAMP Asia’s grassroots experience would help strengthen livelihoods and build more resilient communities.
Agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ groups may also access LandBank’s Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which offers a 3 percent annual interest rate, simplified application requirements, free life and credit life insurance, as well as technical and market support.
CAMP Asia President Rev. Lee Chul-yong said the partnership aims to help farmers reduce costs, increase income and promote a more sustainable agricultural sector.
“Together, I hope we can give new hope to our farmers and build a better future for our communities,” Lee said.
CAMP Asia is a non-government organization involved in community development, agriculture, education, livelihood and capability-building programs.
