September 21, 2021

Philippines set aside loan to support swine projects in ASF-free areas

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), has allotted an additional ₱300 million (US$6 million) for lending to backyard and semi-commercial raisers in "green zones" or areas free from the African swine fever (ASF).

The loan will help finance swine projects in four ASF-free areas in Regions 4-B (MIMAROPA), six in Western Visayas, seven in Central Visayas and nine in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Eligible borrowers include individuals, startups and existing semi-commercial swine raisers (SCSR), small enterprises and farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs).

The loan has zero interest, and is payable up to five years.

Last year, the DA-ACPC initially allotted ₱500 million (US$10 million) for lending to backyard raisers and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) under its ANYO programme.

As of August 31, 2021, ACPC has lent ₱157.18 million (US$3. million) to 1,660 small hog farmers and MSEs.

- Department of Agriculture (Philippines)