In line with PCFC’s continuing information campaign on its new product -- the Micro-Agri Loan Program, another well-attended series of Ugnayang Agri-Kredit were held in the different provinces of SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Dubbed as “Ugnayang Agri-Kredit sa Probinsya”, the forums were organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit XII headed by Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan.
The forums were held in Alabel, Sarangani on 13 June 2011 (for Sarangani and General Santos City stakeholders), Koronadal City, South Cotabato on 14 to 15 June 2011 (for South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat stakeholders) and Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on 16 June 2011 (for Maguindanao and North Cotabato stakeholders). Almost 300 participants attended the four (4) seminars composed of farmers, officers of different cooperatives, representatives from LGUs and DA, and other stakeholders of the agricultural sector.
PCFC representatives were warmly welcomed by the locals mostly farmers who were visibly appreciative of the government credit programs for their sector who are interested to engage into micro-enterprise business.
Corporate Communications Manager Dom R. Pantalita introduced PCFC through an audio video presentation followed by a backgrounder on PCFC and its microfinance programs and services highlighting its accomplishments for the last 16 years. The second part of the presentation was handled by Corporate Communications Officer Fred S. Costa who discussed the details of the Micro-Agri Loan Program of PCFC. This program is a partnership between PCFC and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) which aims to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of small farmers and fisherfolk households by providing financial opportunities for their respective agri-fishery projects.
Participants of the activity expressed their interest on the program as shown by their enthusiasm to know the details and financing terms of the PCFC Micro-Agri Loan Program. During the open-forum, various queries were raised by the farmers who are eager to avail said loan window. Officers of different cooperatives also showed their respective interest to become accredited partners of PCFC to avail of additional funds for re-lending to its members.
Credit matching, loan counseling and referral to accredited microfinance institutions (MFIs) were among the services provided by PCFC representatives. Directory of MFI partners, brochures and other relevant materials on microfinance were also distributed as part of PCFC’s communication and information campaign to increase the people’s awareness on microfinance as the government’s forefront program in poverty alleviation.
Other participating agencies in the forums were the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool (AGFP), the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), the Cooperative Bank of Cotabato (CBC) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).