BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – Fifty farmers in this city attended the Technical Briefing on Credit Worthiness Seminar in Support to Sikat Saka Program last September 13, 2018 at NIA Building, Brgy. Cagbas, Bayugan City.

The activity was designed for Irrigators Association (IA) Officers to discuss the salient features of Sikat Saka Program, delineate the roles of the cooperating agencies in the implementation of the program and appreciate the Sikat Saka in the attainment of the food staples’ sufficiency.

The topics discussed during the one-day seminar include: rationale/orientation on Sikat Saka, Credit Worthiness, NIA Institutional Development Program, PCIC Insurance Program and 2018 NFA Program.

The participants believed that the seminar was helpful especially in educating them about loan management.

“Ako nalipay ug dako nga nakatambong niining maong training kay nadugangan ang akong kaalam ug naliwanagan ang akong mga kalibog kabahin sa mga requirements sa pagloan sa land bank. Ako nagpasalamat gayod nga nakaapil ako niini,” said Elizabeth Yaguno of Brgy. Noli. (I am very happy that I was able to attend this training because it gave me additional knowledge and clarification about loan requirements of Land Bank)

Based on the website of Land Bank, The DA Sikat Saka Program offers a direct credit window from Land Bank and integrated support from the Department of Agriculture to small palay farmers to improve their credit worthiness and the viability of crop production. The role of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is to provide extension and training services on organizational strengthening, including financial management and credit discipline to small farmers.

Loanable amount under this program is based on the credit needs of the farmer per farm plan and budget but not to exceed the following prescribed loan ceiling for palay production: P41,000 per hectare for Inbred variety and P50,000 per hectare for Hybrid variety.