The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) has granted a loan payment moratorium for qualified farmers and fisherfolk, as the government steps up efforts to shield rural livelihoods from the ongoing energy crisis and rising production costs.
DA Administrative Order No. 2, series of 2017 lays out the implementing guidelines of the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program, a financial assistance framework designed to help farmers and fishers recover from calamities, emergencies, and economic disruptions.
It also aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a State of National Energy Crisis, underscoring the administration’s push to protect vulnerable sectors from surging fuel and electricity prices.
Under the program, DA-ACPC borrowers with current and outstanding loans may apply for a suspension of debt repayments for up to one year, subject to review and approval by Partner Lending Conduits, including government financial institutions, rural banks, and cooperative banks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the moratorium forms part of a broader government response directed by President Marcos to help farmers and fisherfolk weather the energy emergency and its ripple effects on production costs.
“The loan moratorium is not a standalone measure, but part of a coordinated government effort involving financing institutions, local lending partners, and Department of Agriculture agencies working on rural resilience,” Tiu Laurel said. “We are prioritizing immediate relief while strengthening long-term access to credit so our agricultural sector remains productive and stable despite external shocks, particularly rising fuel and fertilizer costs.”
The DA-ACPC said it will continue working closely with its Partner Lending Conduits to ensure the smooth and timely rollout of the moratorium across affected areas nationwide.
“DA-ACPC programs are responsive and designed with our clients in mind,” said Rallen O. Verdadero, ACPC Executive Director. A one-year grace period on loan payments allows farmers and fishers to prioritize their families’ needs while regaining momentum in their agricultural activities and sustaining their livelihoods.”
DA- ACPC Exec. Dir. Verdadero said applications will be assessed based on eligibility and loan status, with priority given to borrowers in good standing who are experiencing temporary financial strain due to elevated energy costs.
The agency added that the initiative is expected to help prevent loan defaults, sustain rural economic activity, and support national food security goals. As energy-related expenses continue to pressure farm production and distribution, the program is seen as a targeted intervention balancing fiscal prudence with social protection for the agriculture sector.
