The old folk song says it all: “Magtanim ay ‘di biro…”
It is not an exaggeration to state that farming in the Philippines may be considered a tough business or source of livelihood. It is an endeavor surrounded by risk and hardship.
Aside from the seasonal typhoons that wreak havoc on crops, farmers also contend with the threat of El Niño and La Niña, insect and fungal infestation, and fluctuations in crop prices in the market. Another major challenge is the fact that the average age of the Filipino farmer is now at 57 years old.
For these reasons, the average farmer needs all the help he can get especially in the aspect of micro-financing. From planting the seeds, to growing the crops, up to harvest time and bringing the crops to market, the farmer needs cash to support his livelihood.
The good news is, microfinancing is available to small-scale farmers from Cebuana Lhuillier Bank. Aside from being the country’s top pawning and money remittance facility, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank has embarked on yet another excellent service — this time to assist our country’s farmers who literally keep the country alive by being at the center of food production.
Through special loans designed for the needs of the Filipino farmer, Cebuana Lhuillier is able to extend a lifeline to thousands if not millions of farmers who toil under the hot sun in order to produce food. These loans are easy to apply for, processed fast, and are truly accessible to farmers from different scales of land, types of crops, and production capacity.
With an agricultural loan, a struggling farmer can buy new seeds after his previously planted crops were wiped out by a storm. With a timely yet easy-to-pay loan, a farmer who is burdened by limited water supply now has the cash to invest in irrigation equipment. Farmers who face challenges during harvest time can buy additional tools or equipment to improve productivity, which is made possible through an agricultural loan from Cebuana Lhuillier.
Simple Loan Processing. When a farmer visits Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, they won’t be hassled by long forms to sign or by a lengthy list of requirements. The bank knows that the needs of farmers are urgent and further delays could only cause more damage to crops and to the farmer’s livelihood.
Fast Transactions. Farmers play a critical role in society in terms of making sure that every table in every home receives food, especially rice which is the staple of the Filipino family. They can only perform this important role if they are able to transact fast and without delay, most critically during times when they need financial assistance for the farm. Cebuana Lhuillier Bank makes sure that transactions are swift and efficient so every farmer can focus on growing their farm and producing the food that our families need.
Easy to Pay. Knowing the true conditions of farmers and the challenges they face each day, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank has structured its agricultural loans in a way that favors the small-scale farmer. Interest rates are kept at a minimum and the loan payment schedules are flexible enough to jibe with the pace of farm production and typical cash flow of small-scale farmers.
While farming is certainly no joke given its inherent challenges, farmers can truly find a reason to sing with the agricultural loans made available to them. By using these financial tools wisely, our farmers can achieve the success they’ve always dreamed of while keeping our nation’s food supply steady and strong.