Aggie loans for Ilocos Norte OSYs launched

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Out-of-school youths (OSYs) in Ilocos Norte can now avail of agricultural loans following the launching last week by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) of its credit and financing facility in the province.
    DA Region 1 OIC Regional Executive Director Annie Bares said the program aims to encourage more young people to invest in the agriculture sector.
    Through the ACPC credit facility, interested OSYs who are willing to undertake a livestock-raising business will be able to loan up to P200,000 to finance three cattle fatteners.
    To ensure project sustainability, the OSY borrowers are required to undergo training in cattle-raising.
    DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, who led the launching of the program, said the government recognizes and understands the critical role of the youth in the country’s agricultural and fisheries development.
    Panganiban said the new ACPC program, in addition to the DA’s Young Farmers Challenge, will encourage more young people to invest in the agriculture sector.