TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture-Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (DA-RSBSA) Region 2 led the pilot AGRISENSO Plus application program which aims to provide access to credit and improve support service for farmers.
The program is guided by Regional Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino’s unwavering commitment to uplifting farmers’ lives.
Organized by the Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC) in collaboration with Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), the program is designed to provide small rice and corn farmers, as well as other agricultural value chain players, with accessible, adequate, and affordable credit assistance.
It offers loans of up to 90 percent of the total production cost at a low fixed interest rate of 4 percent per annum, empowering farmers to enhance productivity, profitability, and resilience, the department said.
Through managed farm clusters, technology transfer, and financial support, the program ensures sustainable agricultural practices while addressing the needs of individual agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and other small farmers.
The caravan primarily benefited UTAC members and 17 irrigators associations (IA), including Lal-lo East IA, Saniata IA, Camal IA, and others. These groups stand to gain from improved farm management, financial literacy, and access to resources critical for their growth and sustainability.
As part of the initiative, DA – RSBSA facilitated the registration and updating of farmers in the RSBSA database—a key requirement for availing of AGRISENSO PLUS benefits. Partner agencies such as the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and local government units (LGUs) assured support and ensured a comprehensive approach to farmer empowerment.
Farmers who missed the caravan can still apply for the program through nearby LBP branches. With plans to expand nationwide, AGRISENSO PLUS is set to transform the agricultural landscape, ensuring that small farmers receive the support they need to thrive.
For the past, DA has been continuously providing avenues for farmers by linking them with partner stakeholders to avail credit services to improve farmer’s production and income. (OTB/GVB/PIA Cagayan)
