LALA, LANAO DEL NORTE. Fifty farm and fisher families of Lanao del Norte received PhP 5,000 zero interest loan from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on January 5, 2018. The Secretary visited Lala, Lanao del Norte to visit those who were affected by Typhoon Vinta and to Turn-over DA Projects. The fifty families are only the first batch of the Typhoon Vinta victims who will receive the five thousand loan assistance. The amount released is expected to infuse much needed cash to those who were affected by the Typhoon.
The immediate release of funds was ordered by the Secretary to fast track the assistance to the victims of Typhoon Vinta and other farmers and fisherfolks who are in need of the financial assistance. Another short-term loan is also provided for livelihood recovery and production with only 6% interest per year.
Secretary Pinol however requested the recipients not to fail the government program, and pay whatever loans they will avail. This will enable the government to help other farmers and fisherfolks. “I fought for these funds because they said the farmers do not pay loans. And I asked them to please give me one chance. I believe the farmers will really pay”.
The farmers were also able to air their questions and request with Secretary Pinol during the Farmer’s Forum. He encouraged the Farmer Associations to avail of up to 15 million loan for machineries and equipment to help them process and sell their own produce instead of relying on the traders.