UP to 77,375 farmers and fisherfolks will benefit from the one-year moratorium in payments for loan programs under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA said this forms part of government efforts to help the public amid the recent declaration of a nationwide state of calamity due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for six months which affected farmers and fisherfolks’ capability to sell their produce.
As much as P2.3 billion worth of loans will be involved in the moratorium that started last March 16, the agency added.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said farmers and fisherfolks are also considered as frontliners amid the enhanced community quarantine as their roles are crucial in the food supply chain.
Amid the growing demand for food pack distribution, he also appealed to local government units (LGUs) to source out produce from local farmers.
“On top of distributing canned goods and processed products, we urge our LGUs to prioritize buying fresh produce from our farmers. It’s a win-win situation for both consumers and producers,” Dar said.
Apart from providing sure market to farmers, fresh produce are nutritionally beneficial in strengthening the human immune system against COVID-19, he added.
“We are ready to assist our LGUs in metro areas to ensure our stable food supply throughout the country. As much as possible, let’s do it within our communities where supplies are already available,” Dar said.
