DA to provide Ilocos farmers hit by Ineng with P25,000 loans

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday said that Ilocos Norte farmers severely affected by Tropical Storm Ineng would be provided with P25,000 assistance loans.

"With Ilocos Norte having been declared under a State of Calamity due to Typhoon Ineng, we are ready to provide EMERGENCY financial assistance under the SURE program -- granting P25k, zero-interest, payable up to 3 year," Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a statement sent via mobile message.

The government's Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan assistance program provides immediate relief to small farmers and fisherfolk in calamity-affected areas.

Dar's statement comes after a state of calamity was declared in the town of Vintar, as well as Laoag City due to the severe flooding in the areas.

According to Dar, the loan assistance would be managed by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), which would disburse the funds through the Nueva Segovia Coop.

"We have funds available," the Agriculture Secretary emphasized. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News