The DA Sikat Saka Program (SSP) is a credit assistance initiative by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Land Bank of the Philippines, designed to provide direct financing to smallholder rice and corn farmers who are members of organized farmers’ groups. Launched in 2012 under the DA’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), its legal basis is rooted in the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), aiming to empower farmers through access to affordable credit and technical support. The program’s main goals include boosting agricultural productivity, reducing dependency on informal lenders, and ensuring food security by enabling farmers to invest in quality inputs and technologies. Understanding SSP is crucial for farmers and stakeholders alike, as it opens opportunities for sustainable growth, self-sufficiency, and improved livelihood in the agriculture sector.
If you are a small-scale palay or corn farmer looking for affordable production financing, then the DA SSP is the program for you. Not only does it offer accessible credit, but it also comes with farm insurance and technical assistance. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about applying for the DA SSP—from eligibility and requirements to where and how to apply for the program successfully.
Program Overview
The DA SSP is a collaborative financing initiative designed to offer direct credit assistance to qualified palay and corn farmers to boost their productivity and improve access to reliable and timely financial services. It is part of the DA’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), which aims to strengthen food production by enhancing creditworthiness and crop viability through affordable financing, insurance, extension services, and assured markets.
Benefits for Farmers
Farmers who participate in the SSP enjoy:
- Affordable loans with favorable terms from Landbank.
- 100% premium subsidy on crop insurance from PCIC.
- Guaranteed market access through NFA purchase orders.
- Training and support from ATI and other DA agencies.
- Incentives for Irrigators Associations, if they help achieve at least 90% loan collection.
Who Are the Program Partners?
Several government agencies work together to implement SSP and support borrowers:
- Landbank: Provides loan financing and account management.
- DA Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC): Supplies support funds and conducts program evaluations.
- National Food Authority (NFA): Offers a guaranteed market for palay.
- National Irrigation Administration (NIA): Organizes and monitors Irrigators Associations (IAs) as credit consolidators.
- Agricultural Training Institute (ATI): Facilitates training on credit discipline and financial literacy.
- Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC): Gives full insurance coverage for approved loans.
Eligible Projects Under SSP
The program provides loan assistance for the following agricultural activities:
- Palay production
- Corn production
Who Can Apply for SSP?
To qualify, farmers must meet specific criteria:
For Individual Farmers
- Must own or cultivate ½ hectare to 5 hectares of irrigated land.
- Land must be supported by a clean land title or acceptable proof of ownership.
- Must be a member in good standing of an Irrigators Association (IA) or a Small Water Impounding System Association (SWISA).
- Must not have any existing loan for palay or corn production with Landbank or other financial institutions.
- Required to attend a financial education seminar conducted by ATI.
- Must open a Landbank Sikat Saka ATM account.
- Must be willing to authorize the IA to manage the farm if the loan remains unpaid after one year (returned after full payment).
For Service Conduits
Irrigators Association (IA)
- Must be certified in good standing by the NIA or Municipal Agriculturist (if supervised by LGU).
Small Water Impounding System Association (SWISA)
- Must be certified in good standing by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).
Farm and Location Requirements
Eligible farms must:
- Be at least 0.5 hectare and not exceed 5 hectares.
- Have an effective irrigation and functional drainage system.
- Be accessible by transport and located in a peaceful area.
- Be located at least 200 meters away from bodies of water or marshlands.
Steps to Apply for the DA Sikat Saka Loan Program
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
Step 1: Contact Your Local IA or SWISA
- Visit or reach out to your Irrigators Association or SWISA to confirm your eligibility.
Step 2: Submit Initial Requirements
- Prepare the following documents:
- Land title or proof of ownership
- Membership certificate from IA or SWISA
- NFA purchase order (for palay)
- Proof of financial education seminar attendance
- Promissory note and loan agreement
- Authorization document (if necessary)
Step 3: Insurance Application via PCIC
- Submit your crop insurance application through the NIA focal person or directly to a PCIC Regional or Extension Office.
- Required documents:
- Individual or group insurance application
- Location sketch plan (LSP)
- Farm Plan and Budget (FPB)
- Deed of assignment to Landbank
Step 4: Processing by Landbank and PCIC
- Landbank reviews your loan documents.
- PCIC processes your insurance and issues a Certificate of Coverage.
- Upon loan approval, funds are credited to your Sikat Saka ATM account.
Step 5: Actual Planting and Reporting
- Submit an Actual Planting Report to PCIC within 10 days if there are changes to:
- Planting method or schedule
- Seed variety
- Farm size or location
Where to Apply for the DA Sikat Saka Program
You can apply for the SSP loan program at your local Landbank Lending Center. The program is available in 45 major agricultural provinces across the Philippines, including:
- Luzon: Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Tarlac, Quezon, Laguna, and more.
- Visayas: Leyte, Iloilo, Bohol, Aklan, Capiz, and Negros Occidental.
- Mindanao: Bukidnon, South Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and others.
To check the nearest Landbank Lending Center, call the Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-10-405-7000, or email customercare@landbank.com.
What If There’s a Loss?
In case of crop damage or loss, the borrower or next of kin must:
- Report the loss to PCIC within the required period.
- Submit supporting documents for claim processing.
- Wait for the evaluation and approval of insurance claims.
Additional Reminders
Take note of the following tips before you submit your application:
- Only palay and corn farmers on irrigated land are eligible.
- All loans are subject to LANDBANK’s credit evaluation.
- Farmers must maintain good standing to qualify for repeat loans.
Video: Sikat Saka Program Seminar
The DA Sikat Saka Program provides valuable financial support to Filipino farmers who grow palay and corn. Through this program, farmers gain access to affordable loans, full crop insurance, and technical assistance—helping them improve production and increase income. If you are a small-scale farmer with irrigated land and are looking for sustainable farming support, the SSP loan program might be your next best step. Watch this:
For inquiries and support, you may reach out to:
- Landbank Customer Care Hotline: (02) 8-405-7000
- Toll-Free (PLDT Only): 1-800-10-405-7000
- Email: customercare@landbank.com
You may also visit the nearest Landbank Lending Center or contact your local Irrigators Association today.