Manila, April 16 -- To further support farmers and fishers amid the energy emergency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday announced the suspension of loan repayments for farmers and fishers with outstanding loans under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative is part of the government's response amid surging fuel prices affecting the agricultural sector.

"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," he said.

The loan moratorium see...