TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – In a continued effort to support local farmers and cooperatives, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has oriented 15 agricultural cooperatives in the Cagayan Valley Region on the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid (APP) Program.
Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino said the program aims to provide financial assistance, low-cost credit, and expanded market access to farming communities, especially those involved in rice production.
She emphasized the vital role of agricultural cooperatives in driving transformation within the agriculture sector.
“The APP program initiative seeks to improve productivity, reduce production costs, and enhance the incomes of farmers. Thorough this, our cooperative members can access additional inputs and capital to lower the cost of producing rice. This is a significant step toward reducing the cost structure of palay production,” Aquino said.
Regional Technical Director Roberto C. Busania also stressed the importance of collaboration in supporting farmers.
“This is a convergence effort. We must work hand in hand to provide real assistance to our farmers, with the cooperatives as our frontline partners,” Busania said.
Several resource speakers from key partner institutions participated in the session, including representatives from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, National Irrigation Administration, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, National Food Authority, and Planters Products, Inc. Each organization highlighted its support services aligned with the objectives of the APP Program.
Following the orientation, the participating cooperatives will proceed with the loan application, evaluation, and approval processes under the APP Program. (OTB/PIA Cagayan Valley)
