LEDIPO Chief Jamie Juanito Rivera, Agricultural Technologist Jonathan Pedillon, and CIO and concurrent GAD Focal Mendry-Ann Lim met with Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman on March 10 to discuss the establishment of an Agri-Microfinance Facility, a joint initiative between the LGU and social impact investors, Sulo Barakah Ventures.
The project aims to provide zero-interest Islamic microfinance loans to farmers, support contract farming, and ensure a stable vegetable supply through credit and consignment arrangements. Discussions also covered findings from the city’s agriculture market survey, highlighting production gaps, investment opportunities, and strategies to strengthen local food security. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)