Friday, March 28, 2025

PRIMER on the ALERT-ARBOs Credit Program

The Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ALERT ARBOs) Program is a collaborative initiative in the Philippines aimed at providing timely and affordable credit to eligible Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) and their members. This program is jointly implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

As the successor to the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), the ALERT ARBOs Program focuses on enhancing the financial capacity of ARBOs, enabling them to support their members' agricultural endeavors more effectively.

Overall, the ALERT ARBOs Program plays a crucial role in strengthening the capabilities and resilience of agrarian communities by providing essential financial resources and support services.

PRIMER ON THE ALERT-ARBOs CREDIT PROGRAM

1. What is the ALERT-ARBOs Credit Program? The Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ALERT-ARBOs) Credit Program is a government initiative designed to provide affordable and timely financial assistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) and their members. This program supports agricultural productivity, sustainability, and economic growth among agrarian communities.

2. Who implements the ALERT-ARBOs Program? The program is a collaborative effort among several government agencies, including the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

3. What are the objectives of the ALERT-ARBOs Program? (1) To provide accessible and affordable credit to ARBOs and their members; (2) To improve agricultural productivity and economic resilience; (3) To strengthen ARBOs by enabling them to offer financial support to their members; and (4) To promote financial inclusion and self-reliance among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

4. Who are eligible to avail of the credit assistance? Eligible borrowers include: (1) Registered Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs); (2) Individual Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who are members of qualified ARBOs; and (3) Smallholder farmers and fisherfolk engaged in agricultural production and related activities.

5. What types of financial assistance are available under the program?  (1) Production loans for crops, livestock, and other agricultural ventures; (2) Loans for agri-business and value-adding enterprises; and (3) Credit support for post-harvest facilities and farm mechanization.

6. What are the loan terms and interest rates? Loan terms vary depending on the type of project funded (e.g., short-term for crop production, medium to long-term for agri-business investments). Interest rates are set at affordable levels to ensure accessibility to smallholder farmers and ARBOs.

7. How can ARBOs and ARBs apply for loans? Interested ARBOs and ARBs can apply by following these steps: (1) Contact the nearest DAR provincial or municipal office for initial screening and requirements; (2) Submit the necessary documents, including proof of ARBO registration and business/project plans; (3) Undergo loan evaluation and assessment conducted by partner financial institutions. If approved, receive the loan disbursement and comply with repayment terms.

8. What are the benefits of the ALERT-ARBOs Program?  (1) Increased access to affordable credit for ARBs and smallholder farmers; (2) Enhanced productivity and income for agrarian communities; (3) Strengthened financial and managerial capacity of ARBOs; and (4) Greater support for farm modernization and sustainable agriculture.

9. Where can applicants get more information? For more details, interested parties can visit the official websites of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), or the Land Bank of the Philippines. They may also inquire at the nearest DAR provincial or municipal office.  Photo: DAR-Palawan


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