The Department of Agriculture has set aside ₱1 billion for a lending program to help farmers, fishers and rural entrepreneurs and has also called on rural banks to provide rural folk greater access to funds. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged members of the Rural Banks Association of the Philippines (RBAP) to implement innovative financing programs and to partner with the DA in the implementation of the Agro-Industry Modernization Credit and Financing Program (AMCFP). "We have to ensure that no one will be left behnd and that all Filipinos, especially those in the Countryside, can enjoy the benefits of economic growth," Alcala said.

Domingo, R. (2013, June 14). DA allots ₱1B to lending program for farmers: Rural banks urged to roll out innovative financing schemes. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. B2-4.