President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid (APP) Program in Mindanao to improve access to government aid for farmers and boost agricultural productivity and income.
Speaking at the Sarangani Gymnasium in Alabel, Sarangani, Marcos said the APP initiative aims to support the government’s food security agenda and ensure that no Filipino farmer is left behind.
“Isa pong pribilehiyo na maging susi upang maipatupad ang inyong mga adhikain. Sa Bagong Pilipinas na ating itinataguyod, sinisiguro po natin na walang maiiwanan, walang mapapabayaan,” Marcos said.
“Sa inyo pong pagtanggap sa mga tulong na ito, umaasa po ako na mas lilinangin ninyo ang inyong mga kakayahan at magiging bukas kayo sa mga makabagong teknolohiya at pananaw sa agrikultura. Sama-sama po nating tahakin ang landas ng pagbabago.”
Under the APP, beneficiaries can borrow up to PHP60,000 at a low annual interest rate of 2 percent and will receive a monthly allowance of PHP8,000 for four months. An Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC) will also be distributed, allowing farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and tools from Department of Agriculture (DA)-accredited merchants.
In addition, the government will turn over farm machinery and equipment to help increase farmers’ yields and income.
“Bahagi ang mga serbisyong ito sa isang mas malawak at mas matibay na istratehiya para sa tunay na pang-matagalang pagbabago. Nawa’y magsilbi pong paalala ang mga tulong na ito na laging naka-alalay sa inyo ang inyong pamahalaan,” Marcos said.
“Handa po kaming makinig sa inyong mga hinaing at tulungan kayo na maging matagumpay sa mga pagsubok na inyong hinaharap sa abot ng aming makakaya.”
Marcos added that aside from the APP, more than 17,700 farmers and 331 agricultural cooperatives have benefitted from the PHP3 billion Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund this year. Nearly 19,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and 112 enterprises also accessed PHP1.7 billion in loans through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s programs, including Agri-Negosyo, Survival and Recovery Assistance, and the Young Agripreneurs Loan Program.
“Nilalayon po naming maihatid sa inyo ang mga serbisyong makakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng inyong kabuhayan, pagpapabuti ng inyong kapakanan at pagsusulong ng inyong kaunlaran. Isa pong karangalan na kayo’y mapaglingkuran,” the President said.