The MB Jordan Ferry 2 is one of four modernized vessels of the Guimaras Island Transport Multipurpose Cooperative (GITMPC) financed by LANDBANK that ply the Guimaras-Iloilo route and vice versa. The vessel features spacious seats, wide windows, modern facilities, and can carry up to 80 passengers per trip.
GUIMARAS – A little past noon of 03 August 2019, Saturday, the biggest sea mishap in this island’s history came about off Iloilo Strait that claimed the lives of 31 people, which included students, teachers, and tourists. They were onboard three passenger pump boats travelling from the Parola Wharf in Iloilo City to the towns of Jordan and Buenavista in Guimaras.
Local accounts described the sea waters that day as calm coupled with fine weather, until suddenly, the clouds turned gray and strong gusts of wind battered and capsized the vessels. This tragedy still haunts local folks today as they talk about it in random daily conversations, still gripped in fear and grief.
The tragic incident raised serious concerns on the safety of wooden-hulled pump boats as the means of transportation going to and from Guimaras and Iloilo. More importantly, it prompted operators to comply with the prior circular issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for the phase-out of wooden-hulled vessels, and to shift to steel or fiberglass-hulled ferry boats with modern and improved designs and materials.
This drove the Guimaras Island Transport Multipurpose Cooperative (GITMPC), formerly Jordan Motor Banca Cooperative (JMBC), to tap the assistance of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) for the acquisition of four brand new fiberglass passenger boats that can accommodate about 60 to 80 passengers per trip.
Apart from keeping maritime transport safe, the LANDBANK-financed vessels have helped to provide a sustainable source of income to over 50 members of the co-op who were previously operating pump boats.
“We have so many plans and opportunities to expand the operations of the cooperative, including venturing into the tourism industry, but we lack working capital. That’s why we really appreciate the financial assistance that LANDBANK has been extending to us. We thank them for helping us shoulder our funding needs,” said GITMPC Chair Paglaum S. Villanueva.
Due to the mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-op’s P20-million loan from LANDBANK in 2020 yielded results only in January 2021 when the ferry boats commenced operations to service an average of 8,000 passengers daily.
Safer and more comfortable maritime transport
Wendys Marie Erpelua, a public school teacher from Guimaras, is one of the frequent travelers of the Guimaras-Iloilo route. Her co-teacher was among the victims of the tragic sea mishap in 2019.
Before GITMPC operated the modern ferry boats, Wendys regularly braved the sea via wooden-hulled pump boats to reach the town of Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo where she teaches. Together with other passengers and bulky cargos, she needed to fit her body in the narrow space of the boat, with limited ventilation and a roof made of tarpaulin for sunlight and rain protection.
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Wendys Marie Erpelua (rightmost), a public school teacher from Guimaras, now enjoys a comfortable and safer sea travel to reach the town of Barotac Nuevo in the Province of Iloilo.
Today, her day-to-day travel is more convenient with spacious seats, wide windows, and modern facilities. She feels more comfortable and safer when traveling from Guimaras to Iloilo and back, from Mondays to Fridays, to fulfill her chosen profession.
“Before, nahihirapan ako sa biyahe kasi siksikan at mahirap huminga dahil sa trapal. Ngayon, hindi mo mafi-feel ‘yung pagod kasi maluwag na, merong bintana at malinis. Siguro kung ano ‘yung comfort na nafi-feel ko, ganon din ‘yung nararamdaman ng ibang mga pasahero,” said Wendys.
On top of providing a safe and comfortable ride to passengers, the operations of GITMPC has been helping the province to revive its tourism industry, which was weighed down by the sea tragedy and the pandemic.
The co-op’s new fleet has also made mobility and movement of goods for small-scale enterprises in Guimaras easier, for improved income which contributes to the local economy.
LANDBANK has always considered cooperatives as valuable partners in nation-building, in line with the Bank’s expanded mandate of providing responsive services beyond banking to all clients, publics, and stakeholders.
As of 31 January 2023, LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to the cooperative sector have reached P66.6 billion, benefiting over 1,360 co-ops nationwide.
LANDBANK backs PNP retirees in streamlining pensions
Streamlining PNP Pensions: PNP Chief of Police General Nicolas Torre III (5th from left) and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) lead the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to streamline the disbursement of pension and other retirement benefits for retired police personnel, held on 14 August 2025 at the PNP National Headquarters in Quezon City. Joining them from LANDBANK are Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (3rd from left), Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca (2nd from left), First Vice President Atty. Nikkolas B. Tolentino (6th from left), Vice President Hansen W. Chu (rightmost), and Assistant Vice President Marissa A. Garduque (leftmost). QUEZON CITY – Committed to delivering accessible and efficient banking services, LANDBANK has been tapped anew by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to simplify pension processing for retiring police personnel. Under this collaboration, active PNP personnel can now continue using their existing LANDBANK payroll accounts as their pension accounts upon retirement. This eliminates the need to open a separate account, saving time, reducing paperwork, and ensuring uninterrupted receipt of benefits for about 250 new PNP pensioners each month. “As the PNP’s depository bank, LANDBANK is honored to be your steadfast partner in making your financial operations more seamless and efficient. We provide a full range of traditional and digital banking solutions to support your needs, while serving the salaries and benefits of over 230,800 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, and around 80,000 pensioners nationwide,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The signing of the amended and restated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was led by PNP Chief of Police General Nicolas Torre III and LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Present as witnesses were Police Brigadier General Jonas Amparo and Police Brigadier General Marlou Roy Alzate, alongside LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca, and Vice President Hansen W. Chu on 14 August 2025 at the PNP National Headquarters. In line with the National Government’s digitalization drive, LANDBANK is likewise encouraging the PNP to expand the use of the Bank’s Link.BizPortal for fee collections. As of June 2025, the Link.BizPortal has processed 2.9 million PNP transactions, with more than 2.85 million for police clearances. As PNP’s longstanding partner, LANDBANK continues to provide payroll servicing, fund transfers, bills payment, and investment facilities, as well as other digital and traditional banking services, to help the agency perform its mandate of maintaining peace and order and ensuring public safety. About LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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TANYAG and Proud: LANDBANK at 62 honors champions of nation-building
To mark 62 years of meaningful public service, LANDBANK recently honored its outstanding clients and partners who have been instrumental in delivering essential financial and support services nationwide. The inaugural LANDBANK Gawad TANYAG (Tanging Yaman at Galing) Awards held on 8 August 2025 celebrated the Bank’s clients who have made an impact in communities and models of operational excellence, which include individual farmers and fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations and large enterprises, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), and microfinance institutions (MFIs). “Sa bawat kwento ninyo, nakikita ko ang hinaharap na hinahangad nating lahat: isang Pilipinas na mas mayaman sa oportunidad, masagana sa pag-asa — kaya’t maraming salamat po sa pagpapatunay na ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang monopolya ng iilan, na ang pag-asenso ay puwedeng makamit ng bawat mamamayan,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in a statement. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the awarding ceremony to honor exemplary clients who embody the Bank’s core values of partnership, loyalty, and excellence. She was joined by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, alongside key development partners. “Through Gawad TANYAG, we honor the invaluable contributions of our clients who help move our nation forward. This is our way of celebrating partnerships that go beyond banking — partnerships rooted in trust, shared purpose, and the pursuit of meaningful change,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Under the Gawad PITAK (Pinakatanging Kooperatiba) category, the Hagonoy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Panabingan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Nueva Ecija Seed Grower Multi-Purpose Cooperative were recognized as outstanding agri-based cooperatives in the small, medium, and large categories, respectively. The ASKI Employees Credit Cooperative and Providers Multi-Purpose Cooperative were also honored under the non-agricultural cooperative category. Individual excellence was highlighted through the Ulirang Magsasaka award conferred to Alfonso Namujhe Jr. of Nueva Vizcaya, and the Ulirang Mangingisda award bestowed to Agrifina A. Gabres of Aurora. “Napakalaking tulong ng LANDBANK. Noong mag-umpisa kami, walang bangko na gustong tumulong sa amin. LANDBANK lang ang naniwala. My dad started the spark, and LANDBANK fueled it. The citrus industry of Nueva Vizcaya owes it to LANDBANK,” said Josephine Namujhe, who received the award on behalf of her father. The Gawad MSME was awarded to Jose Fernand Latog and Jollypig Farms, Inc. for the small and medium agri-based enterprises, respectively. Meanwhile, Spouses Patrick Mary and Rodary Therese Guanzon, and Spouses Mary Jeanette and Michael Anthony Bercadez were recognized under the small and medium non-agri enterprise categories, respectively. The Gawad KAAGAPAY (Korporasyon na KAagapay sa Ating GAnap na TagumPAY) was conferred to Soliman E.C. Septic Tank Disposal, Fiesta Communities, Inc., and Cebu Landmasters, Inc. for their significant contributions as corporations and large enterprises in stimulating local economic growth. “With the support of LANDBANK, we are very grateful that we have a partner in providing homes for our kababayans and empowering the Filipino people,” said Willie Tan, Founder and President of Fiesta Communities, Inc. Rural Bank of Angeles, Producers Savings Bank Corporation, First Isabela Cooperative Bank, and ASA Philippines Foundations, Inc. were recognized with the Gawad PFI (Partner Financial Institution) for their exceptional performance under the rural bank, thrift bank, and microfinance categories, respectively. The complete list of Gawad TANYAG awardees can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/356a3ezb LANDBANK is celebrating its 62nd anniversary marking 62 meaningful years of advancing growth, financial inclusion, and sustainability through responsive and impactful banking services. About LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK brings calamity assistance to GOCC Caravan
In support of the National Government’s thrust to deliver responsive and accessible public services, LANDBANK joined the launch of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Caravan, offering financial relief and recovery programs for clients affected by the recent typhoons experienced nationwide. Spearheaded by the Department of Finance (DOF), the two-day Caravan officially kicked off on 29 July 2025 at Robinsons Manila in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other GOCCs. “Maraming serbisyong pampubliko ang inaalok at handang ibigay ng gobyerno na lingid sa kaalaman ng ating mga mamamayan. This is our way of enabling our people to maximize the benefits the government can offer,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in a statement. LANDBANK featured at the event its emergency and calamity assistance programs designed to help fast-track recovery and rebuilding efforts. “We are committed to providing urgent and practical financial solutions for our kababayans affected by recent calamities. Whether for emergency needs or rebuilding their livelihoods and businesses, LANDBANK is here to help our clients get back on their feet and move forward,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Emergency Support Programs LANDBANK highlighted its Community Assistance and Reintegration Support Plus (CARES Plus) Lending Program, which offers financing support to affected farmers and fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations, and electric distribution utilities. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, or the repair and acquisition of disaster-damaged equipment, facilities, and structures. Electric cooperatives and utilities may also access short-term financing to address increased generation and distribution costs. LANDBANK also promoted its Electronic Salary Loan (eSL) for government and private employees with LANDBANK payroll accounts for convenient access to credit via the Bank’s digital platforms. Proceeds are credited directly to the borrower’s account, and qualified borrowers may renew their loans after three months of good payment standing. To support LANDBANK cardholders in urgent need of funds, the Bank is also offering its EasyCash for Emergencies service, allowing qualified credit cardholders to convert their available credit limit into emergency cash with repayment terms of up to 36 months. For pensioners and government employees, the Bank is also offering the Pension and Emergency Relief (PeER) Loan Facility to provide accessible credit assistance to serve urgent financial needs. Under the LANDBANK PEER facility, eligible borrowers may avail of loans ranging from P20,000 to P300,000 at a competitive interest rate of 10% per annum, to cover emergency expenses, medical needs, and other immediate requirements. To further expand access to financial services, LANDBANK also facilitated straight-through account opening through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) at the event, allowing customers to conveniently open a digital savings account using only their smartphones. A Concerted Government Effort Other GOCCs joined LANDBANK and BIR in the caravan, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Small Business Corporation (SBC), National Development Company (NDC), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The Bank’s active participation in the GOCC Caravan reaffirms its commitment to inclusive and needs-based financial services — especially during times of crisis — towards empowering Filipinos and building resilient communities. LANDBANK is celebrating its 62nd anniversary this month marking 62 meaningful years of advancing growth, financial inclusion, and sustainability through responsive and impactful banking services. About LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide. Launched on 05 August 2025 with the theme “RTB 31 For Everyone,” this latest peso-denominated RTB offering is a five-year investment that offers a competitive annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum, paid quarterly. The BTr is offering the RTB 31 to help fund key national priorities, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. "Together, let us continue to broaden participation, strengthen trust in government securities, and ensure that every Filipino can become a part of our national growth story," said National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza. During the rate-setting auction ahead of the RTB 31 launch, the BTr attracted an overwhelming P354.2 billion in total tenders — equivalent to 11.8 times the initial offer of P30 billion. Of this amount, P210 billion or 59% was awarded, underscoring sustained strong investor confidence in the National Government. “We are opening more doors for every Filipino to invest — not just in secure, high-yielding instruments like the RTB 31, but in the future of our country. Through LANDBANK’s digital platforms, we are empowering citizens here and abroad to grow their savings with ease, while helping fund critical programs that uplift lives and communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Investing made simple and accessible With a minimum investment of only P5,000, with subsequent investments in multiples of P5,000 thereafter, investors from the country and abroad can conveniently participate in the RTB 31 offering through the mobile banking apps of LANDBANK and the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) — the official digital bank of the Philippine government and a subsidiary of LANDBANK. Investors may also use the BTr Online Ordering Facility and settle the payments via LANDBANK’s Link.BizPortal, free of charge. The public offer period for RTB 31 runs until 15 August, with the issue date on 20 August 2025 and maturity on 20 August 2030. As a Joint Lead Issue Manager, LANDBANK reinforces its commitment to financial inclusion by empowering more Filipinos to become active contributors to the nation’s long-term growth. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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