DIPOLOG CITY - In a bid to support local rice farmers beyond irrigation services, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) partnered with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA- ACPC) to conduct a one-day orientation under the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program (APP) on July 2025. Held in Dipolog City, the activity gathered farmer-beneficiaries from the Dipolog National Irrigation System and served as the pilot run of the program in Zamboanga del Norte.
The orientation helped farmers understand and access the Agri-Negosyo Loan Program under APP Track 2, offering affordable financing for rice production and other livelihood needs. With the assistance of NIA, DA, and lending partners like the Rural Bank of Rizal and Sindangan FACOMA, farmers were guided in filling out loan applications and learning about insurance, credit options, and support services.
This initiative highlights NIA's commitment to farmer empowerment by connecting Irrigators Associations (IAs) to government financial support. It's a step toward more inclusive and responsive service, bringing not just water, but real livelihood opportunities to the field.