President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program in Mindanao, reaffirming his administration’s strong commitment to improving the welfare and conditions of Filipino farmers, whom he hailed as the “pillars of the economy.”
During the launch, President Marcos emphasized the crucial role of farmers in ensuring the nation’s food security and driving economic growth. The Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program is presented as a key initiative in the administration’s broader vision for long-term and inclusive agricultural reform, placing farmers at the forefront of national progress.
Addressing the farmers, President Marcos stated in Filipino: “You, our farmers, are the pillars of our economy. Your sweat, hard work, and sacrifice sustain our agricultural sector. In your hands lies the food on the table of every Filipino family.” He added, “It is an honor to serve you. I do not consider this merely a duty, but rather a privilege to be instrumental in helping you achieve your aspirations.”
The President explained that the program directly addresses persistent challenges within the agricultural sector, specifically high-interest borrowing and limited access to affordable, high-quality farm inputs.
The Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Planters Products Incorporated. President Marcos acknowledged that many farmers are forced to take out loans with exorbitant interest rates, further exacerbating their difficulties.
“In response, our government is launching the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program. This is the result of careful study, strong collaboration, and deep concern from various government agencies,” President Marcos added.
A key feature of the program is the provision of loans up to PhP60,000 with a significantly reduced annual interest rate of two percent. Repayment can be facilitated through the sale of harvests to the National Food Authority (NFA) or DA-accredited cooperatives, directly supporting rice affordability and food supply stabilization efforts.
Furthermore, the program includes monthly cash assistance of PhP8,000 for four months during the planting and growing season, providing crucial support for farmers’ basic needs while they await their harvest.
President Marcos also introduced the Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC), which will enable farmers to access input credits for purchasing affordable, high-quality farm inputs from DA-accredited merchants.
Beyond financial assistance, the President announced the distribution of essential farm machinery, including mobile disinfection trucks and forage choppers, aimed at improving agricultural yields and boosting farmer incomes.
“These services are part of a broader and more robust strategy for genuine and long-term change,” President Marcos affirmed. He assured farmers of the government’s unwavering partnership in their journey toward sustainability and success. “May these forms of assistance serve as a reminder that your government is always here to support you,” he said.
“We are ready to listen to your concerns and help you succeed in the challenges you face, to the best of our ability,” he further stated.
The President also highlighted existing complementary programs such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which benefited 17,763 farmers and 331 cooperatives last year with over PhP3.01 billion in loan disbursements. He noted the continued role of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) in extending credit access to farmers needing capital support.
