The Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program is a financial assistance framework designed to help farmers and fishers recover from calamities, emergencies, and economic disruptions.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday rolled out a loan payment moratorium for qualified farmers and fisherfolk amid rising fuel prices, which have resulted in higher production costs.
According to the DA, the measure reflects its Administrative Order No. 2, series of 2017, which lays out the implementing guidelines of the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program, a financial assistance framework designed to help farmers and fishers recover from calamities, emergencies, and economic disruptions.
Under the program, DA Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) borrowers with current and outstanding loans may apply for a suspension of debt repayments for up to one year, subject to review and approval by partner lending conduits, including government financial institutions, rural banks, and cooperative banks.
“The loan moratorium is not a standalone measure, but part of a coordinated government effort involving financing institutions, local lending partners, and Department of Agriculture agencies working on rural resilience,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
“We are prioritizing immediate relief while strengthening long-term access to credit so our agricultural sector remains productive and stable despite external shocks, particularly rising fuel and fertilizer costs,” he added.
Meanwhile, DA-ACPC Executive Director Rallen Verdadero will work closely with partner lending conduits to ensure the smooth and timely rollout of the moratorium across affected areas nationwide.
He explained that applications for the moratorium will be assessed based on eligibility and loan status, with priority given to borrowers in good standing who are experiencing temporary financial strain due to elevated energy costs.
Fuel prices have increased sharply since late February after tensions escalated in the Middle East following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran
Source: Asianews
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<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
