Agricultural loan program for women readied

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to launch a new loan program that will exclusively cater to women in agriculture as it moves to implement more gender-inclusive systems in the sector.

Called “Financial Assistance for Women in Agriculture and Fisheries” or “AgriPinay,” the new credit program will offer loans to women farmers, fisherfolk and entrepreneurs whose livelihoods have been affected by the new coronavirus pandemic.

Agricultural Credit Policy Council director Jocelyn Badiola said a majority of their borrowers were currently women farmers and entrepreneurs whose repayment rates have been “outstanding,” adding that women were naturally good financial managers.The program is still undergoing consultations with women’s groups, but Bandiola said they would be launching the new loan system no later than Sept. 15.

According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute gender and development focal person Diadem B. Gonzales-Esmero, “the contributions of women in farming are noteworthy but their issues are not given much attention.” INQ