The DA-ACPC Credit Program for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) is a government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to young individuals interested in agriculture, particularly in cattle raising. Launched by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), this program addresses the financial barriers that prevent out-of-school youth from starting agribusiness ventures. By offering affordable loans, capacity-building training, and market linkages, the program seeks to create livelihood opportunities and contribute to the growth of the Philippine cattle industry.
The creation of this program stems from the need to support youth who are unable to pursue formal education but are eager to engage in productive enterprises. By equipping them with financial resources and training, the DA-ACPC Credit Program not only promotes agricultural sustainability but also helps alleviate unemployment in rural areas. Understanding this program is crucial for those looking to enter the agricultural sector, as it provides a viable pathway to financial independence and long-term success in agribusiness. If you are an OSY interested in livestock farming, this guide will walk you through the application process, eligibility requirements, loan features, and additional support available under the DA-ACPC Credit Program for Out-of-School Youth (OSY).
Program Overview
Designed to help young Filipinos build sustainable agricultural enterprises, the DA-ACPC Credit Program for OSY offers accessible financing with minimal interest and flexible repayment terms. Beyond financial aid, it integrates skills training, business planning, and livestock insurance to enhance the success rate of borrowers in cattle fattening ventures. This initiative not only strengthens local food production but also empowers the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs to contribute to national economic development.
Program Objectives
It was also designed to carry out the following objectives:
- Provide affordable and accessible loans to OSY in agriculture.
- Create income opportunities for young farmers.
- Support the development of the Philippine cattle industry by increasing beef production.
Coverage
This program is made available to young individuals aged 18-24 who want to engage in cattle fattening in these six priority provinces:
- Ilocos Norte
- Leyte
- Rizal
- Tawi-Tawi
- Surigao del Norte
- Bohol
Loan Features
Some of the most notable features of this program include:
- Maximum Loan Amount: Up to PHP 200,000 per borrower
- Interest Rate: 0%
- Service Fee: 3.5% (per availment)
- Guarantee Fee: 1.35% per annum
- Loan Term: Up to 5 years (based on cash flow)
- Credit Life Insurance: 1.5% per annum (diminishing balance)
- Livestock Insurance: Free coverage for cattle
Additional Support for Borrowers
Other support system offered to OSY under the same program include:
- Market Linkages: Borrowers receive assistance in connecting with potential livestock buyers and consolidators to help them sell their cattle at fair prices.
- Livestock Insurance: All cattle are covered by full livestock insurance to protect them against diseases and natural calamities, through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
Eligible Loan Purposes
Borrowed funds can be used for various purposes, including the following:
- Purchasing cattle stock, feeds, and veterinary supplies
- Constructing cattle housing facilities
- Covering labor costs
Benefits
Applying for this program provides numerous advantages that can help out-of-school youth establish a stable and profitable agribusiness:
- Zero-Interest Loans: Borrow up to P200,000 with no interest, making repayment more manageable.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: Payable within five years with a grace period to allow business growth before making payments.
- Free Livestock Insurance: Protects cattle from unexpected losses due to disease or natural calamities.
- Comprehensive Training and Support: Gain knowledge in financial literacy, business planning, and cattle management.
- Market Linkages: Connects borrowers to potential buyers and consolidators to sell livestock at competitive prices.
- Minimal Upfront Equity: Borrowers can start with limited capital and gradually expand their business.
- Employment and Income Generation: Provides a sustainable livelihood for young individuals who lack access to traditional job opportunities.
Target Beneficiaries
The DA-ACPC Credit Program for OSY is designed to support specific groups of young individuals. These individuals include those belonging to the following groups:
- Out-of-school youth (OSY) aged 18-24 willing to engage in cattle fattening.
- Youth residing in the six priority provinces: Ilocos Norte, Leyte, Rizal, Tawi-Tawi, Surigao del Norte, and Bohol.
- Applicants enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
- Individuals who have completed or are willing to undergo cattle-raising training.
- Young entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance to start or expand an agribusiness.
- OSY who are part of a borrower cluster within the same geographic area.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, applicants must at least meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18-24 years old
- Residency: Must belong to a cluster of at least five borrowers in the same geographic area
- Employment Status: Must not have a full-time job at the time of application
- Training: Must have a certificate of training in cattle raising or be willing to undergo training
- Registration: Must be enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA)
Documentary Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents to prove their eligibility and complete their application:
- One (1) government-issued ID with a photo
- One (1) recent 1×1 photo (taken within the last three months)
- Farm plan and budget
- Proof of enrollment in the RSBSA
- Training certificate from an accredited institution
- Additional documents as required by the partner lending conduit
Equity Requirement
Aside from the documentary and eligibility requirements, these equity requirements are also necessary before interested parties can apply for this program:
By the second year, borrowers must acquire additional cattle and cover related expenses for feeds, veterinary supplies, and labor. The business should maintain at least five heads of cattle by the third year until the loan is fully repaid.
How to Apply for the DA-ACPC Credit Program for OSY
Interested applicants can follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Online Registration
Sign up through the official DA-ACPC application portal at access.acpc.gov.ph.
Step 2: Training Requirement
Complete training in cattle fattening provided by accredited institutions. Training covers essential topics such as:
- Business plan preparation
- Financial literacy
- Simple bookkeeping
- Marketing strategies
- Sustainable enterprise management
Step 3: Submission of Requirements
Gather and submit the required documents to a Partner Lending Conduit (PLC) such as:
- Government financial institutions
- Rural banks
- Cooperatives/associations
- NGOs and private financial institutions
Step 4: Loan Processing & Approval
The partner lending conduit evaluates loan applications, disburses funds to approved borrowers, and monitors loan repayment.
Step 5: Fund Utilization & Business Operation
Once approved, borrowers must use the loan exclusively for its intended purposes. Additional cattle must be acquired in the second year as part of the equity requirement.
Step 6: Loan Repayment
Borrowers must repay the loan within five years based on cash flow arrangements.
Where to Get the Application Form
Interested applicants can secure the application form for the DA-ACPC Credit Program for OSY through the official ACPC website at access.acpc.gov.ph. Forms are also available at accredited partner lending conduits, including rural banks, cooperative banks, and government financial institutions. Additionally, applicants may visit their local Provincial Agriculture Office or the nearest DA Regional Field Office to inquire about the program and obtain the necessary application documents.
Recent Loan Distribution Under the Program
In March 2025, the DA-ACPC and the Cooperative Bank of Quezon Province (CBQP) distributed PHP 3 million in loans to OSY in Tiaong, Quezon Province. Young farmers from Tiaong, Dolores, San Antonio, Tayabas, and Padre Burgos used the loans to purchase cattle and start their businesses.
The event was conducted in partnership with:
- The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)
- The Provincial Agriculture Office of Quezon
- DA Regional Field Office 4A
Officials emphasized the importance of responsible loan management, timely repayment, and proper cattle care.
Important Reminders
Before applying for the DA-ACPC Credit Program for OSY, take note of the following key points:
- The loan is strictly for cattle fattening and related expenses, including feeds, veterinary supplies, and housing construction.
- Borrowers must complete the required training before receiving loan approval.
- The program requires applicants to be part of a borrower cluster for monitoring and support purposes.
- Loan repayment terms are based on cash flow, with a maximum repayment period of five years.
- Borrowers must gradually reinvest in additional cattle stock starting from the second year to sustain business operations.
- Partner lending conduits may request additional documents aside from the standard requirements.
- Full livestock insurance is provided to safeguard against potential risks such as disease and natural calamities.
- Responsible loan management, timely repayment, and proper care for the livestock are expected from all program participants.
Video: Applying for the ACPC Loan Programs Online
The DA-ACPC Credit Program for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) is an excellent opportunity for young individuals interested in cattle farming. With zero-interest loans, free livestock insurance, and comprehensive training, this program provides a stepping stone for OSY in agriculture. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to start your cattle fattening business, apply now and take advantage of this financial assistance for out-of-school youth in agriculture. To learn more about applying for the ACPC loan programs like this one, then watch this video from ACPC:
Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, applicants may contact:
Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC)
- Main Office Address: 28th Floor, One San Miguel Avenue Bldg., San Miguel Avenue cor. Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
- Contact Number: (632) 8634-3320 to 21 / (632) 8634-3326 / (632) 8636-3391
- Email Address: info@acpc.gov.ph
- Official Website: https://acpc.gov.ph/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/agricreditpolicycouncil
- Helpdesk: https://helpdesk.acpc.gov.ph/
For quick assistance, applicants may also use AVA (ACPC Virtual Assistant) via the ACPC official website.