Farmer Eric A. Janolino from the Municipality of Opol in Misamis Oriental ventured into tilapia farming and expanded his income with the financial assistance extended by LANDBANK and the Department of Agriculture under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program.
OPOL, Misamis Oriental – For over 30 years, Eric A. Janolino has dedicated his life to farming palay, corn, and various vegetables in the remote sitio of Tingkulan in Barangay Bagocboc. As someone without formal education, farming was the only way Eric knew to support his growing family. Yet, despite decades of hard work, life was a constant uphill battle.
To fund each planting season, Eric used to rely on informal lenders who charged exorbitant and crippling interest rates, often leaving him with little to no profit after the harvest. This made it nearly impossible to improve his farming methods or invest in the necessary resources to grow his livelihood.
Adding to his struggles, Eric lived in an isolated community with limited access to government services. The barangay is accessible only by motorcycle, requiring a 30-minute ride along rugged, unpaved roads and crossing several rivers from the town proper. This makes transporting crops to the market both difficult and costly, eating further into his already limited earnings.
In search of better income, Eric tried his luck in Manila, taking on jobs as an electrician and security guard. But he felt out of place in the bustling city, and his heart pulled him back to the fields he had always called home. Returning to farming, however, presented the same persistent struggles—high-interest loans and limited resources left him with little to provide for his wife and three children.
A new beginning
Hope came in 2023 when Eric learned about the financial assistance available for small farmers like him, facilitated by LANDBANK in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA). Under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, he secured a ₱100,000 loan with a low annual interest rate of 2%, or only about ₱2,000 for the entire year.
Eric was guided by LANDBANK and DA through every step of securing the loan—something he never thought possible due to his limited reading and writing skills.
“Dati, kanya-kanyang diskarte ang mga tao dito para magkaroon ng puhunan sa pagsasaka. Pero noong dumating ang LANDBANK, ipinaliwanag nila kung paano kami makakapag-avail ng murang pautang sa ilalim ng ACEF program. Hindi na kami nahirapan sa pagbabayad ng malalaking interes sa 5-6,” Eric shared.
With LANDBANK’s financial support, Eric ventured into tilapia farming and invested in building three fishponds, under the guidance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10. To ensure success, he completed a BFAR training on tilapia production, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to maximize his new venture.
A ripple effect of growth
The impact of tilapia farming on Eric’s life was profound. His once meager earnings for his family grew into a steady and reliable income. He invested his profits to buy a carabao and a horse to help transport goods to market, raised pigs for extra income, and even renovated their home. Most significantly, Eric was able to send his children to school—something he once thought was out of reach.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa LANDBANK dahil hindi sila nag-atubiling tumulong sa katulad naming mga mahihirap. Ngayon, meron na kaming mga hayop na pangkargada sa aming mga produkto at pang-araro ng bukid, kaya malaki talaga ang naitulong ng LANDBANK sa aking pamilya. Anuman ang iyong kalagayan at pangangailangan, nandiyan sila para magbigay ng tulong at suporta,” Eric said.
Motivated by the opportunities provided by LANDBANK and DA, Eric inspired his fellow farmers to achieve the same success. Fourteen other farmers from his barangay availed themselves of the affordable credit facilities under the ACEF Lending Program and embraced tilapia farming. Like Eric, they soon began to see their livelihoods—and their incomes—flourish, enabling their families to better meet their needs and secure a brighter future.
Empowering small farmers and fishers nationwide
LANDBANK serves as the conduit bank of DA in implementing the ACEF Lending Program, which aims to boost the productivity of marginalized agricultural players through the extension of accessible credit assistance, among other support initiatives.
Under the Program, farmers and fishers can borrow up to P1 million, while cooperatives, associations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs) may access loans up to P5 million for the purchase of farm inputs and equipment, as well as the acquisition or establishment of agri-based production and processing machinery, equipment, and facilities.
As of December 2024, LANDBANK has released a total of ₱14 billion in loans under the ACEF Lending Program benefitting 95,301 borrowers nationwide, 98% of which are small farmers and fishers.
ABOUT LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines 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.
Recto commends LANDBANK for declaring its single highest dividends in history to benefit Filipinos
Finance Secretary and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) Chair Ralph G. Recto has praised the state bank for declaring PHP 33.5 billion in dividends––its single highest dividend yield in its history, with millions of Filipinos expected to benefit. The dividend remittance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to uphold fiscal discipline, ensuring that the government maximizes non-tax revenues to fund priority programs without the need to impose new taxes on the people. “Ang halagang ito ay resulta ng kusang pagbubuti ng serbisyo ng LANDBANK. Ibig sabihin, mas maraming magsasaka ang nabigyan ng murang pautang, mas maraming mangingisda ang naabutan ng tulong, at mas masigla ang daloy ng kapital sa tinatawag nating countryside economy,” he said in his speech at the ceremonial turnover on June 9, 2025. “Kaya naman hindi lang po tseke ang inabot niyo ngayong araw, kundi pag-asa para sa milyon milyong Pilipinong makikinabang dito,” the LANDBANK Chair added. Under Republic Act No. 7656 or the Dividend Law, Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) are required to remit at least 50% of their net earnings during the preceding year as dividends to the national government. To maximize non-tax revenue, the Department of Finance (DOF) has requested GOCCs to increase this share to 75%. Secretary Recto thanked the DOF’s Corporate Sector and Strategic Infrastructure Group (CSSIG) for their impeccable work in helping oversee the country’s GOCCs, ensuring transparency, accountability, and genuine service for the Filipino people. “This dividend remittance to the National Treasury is living proof that when a government financial institution serves the people well, the nation reaps greater rewards,” he said. In 2024, LANDBANK remitted PHP32.12 billion in dividends — the highest among all GOCCs. With this year’s PHP33.53 billion declaration, LANDBANK maintains its standing as the top dividend contributor among GOCCs for the second consecutive year. “Our continued solid performance affirms LANDBANK’s role as a reliable partner of the National Government in its infrastructure push, its support to the agriculture, education and healthcare sectors. This is LANDBANK’s value to the Filipino people: clear in its impact and rooted in its mission,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Meanwhile, LANDBANK posted a solid PHP 13.29 billion net income for the first quarter of 2025, up 11% from PHP 11.98 billion year-on-year and 32% above its first quarter target. LANDBANK’s total assets also grew to PHP 3.43 trillion, up 5% year-on-year from PHP 3.27 trillion, driven by expansions in both loan and investment portfolios. Present during the turnover were DOF Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco, CSSIG Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan, and National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza. (Press release courtesy of Department of Finance)
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Resilience beyond the Shoal: Zambales fisher turns the tide by casting new net of hope
Paolo E. Quitaneg, a fisher from Zambales, secured a loan from LANDBANK to finance the construction of fish aggregating devices or “payaos,” which allow his family to continue earning a living even without entering the disputed waters of Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. IBA, Zambales — Thirty-five-year-old fisher Paolo E. Quitaneg comes from a family that casts their nets and hopes into the sea. From an early age, he witnessed how the bountiful waters of Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea — locally known as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal — sustained their livelihood and nourished countless generations before him. But in 2012, the tides suddenly turned. Due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the area, access to this traditional fishing ground, which Paolo described as a “true paradise,” was restricted. For small fishers like him, the loss of Scarborough Shoal meant not just a lost catch, but the unraveling of an entire way of life. Despite the risks, Paolo and fellow fishers tried to continue fishing in the area, But the rising presence of large foreign vessels made each trip more dangerous, as local fishers were intercepted, and faced threats and harassment at sea, with warning signals often blaring before they could even draw close to the shoal. “Yung huling punta namin doon noong 2024, ni-radyo agad kami. Andun ‘yung kaba at takot na baka masira ang bangka namin, kaya hindi na kami bumalik. Lahat kami dito sa buong Zambales apektado, at nawalan ng magandang kita kasi ‘yun talaga ang pangunahing pinagkukunan namin ng kabuhayan,” Paolo shared, adding that they even had to sell their boat just to make ends meet. (“Our last trip there was in 2024, and we were immediately warned through a radio. We felt the fear and anxiety that our boat might get damaged, so we never returned. All of us here in Zambales were affected and lost a good source of income because that was our main livelihood,” Paolo shared.) Charting a safer course with payaos As the country pursues diplomatic solutions to ease maritime tensions, Paolo’s family chose to chart a different course. In 2022, they established and registered LIMVQS Enterprise as a small business operating fish aggregating devices — locally called payaos — as an alternative method of drawing fish closer to shore. Since then, Paolo’s family has acquired a fishing vessel to sustain their operations. These fish aggregating devices, typically made from styrofoam, old tires and net, are set up about 15 nautical miles offshore to attract fish and encourage spawning. After about three weeks, the fish can be harvested using large nets. This has allowed Paolo’s family to secure a steady catch and income without venturing into the contested waters of Scarborough Shoal. Scaling up with LANDBANK’s support Recognizing the potential of payaos as a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional fishing, Paolo turned to LANDBANK in 2024 to scale up their operations. He applied for financial assistance to construct 10 new payao units, each costing around P100,000. Through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, jointly implemented by LANDBANK and the Department of Agriculture (DA), Paolo was granted a loan with a low annual interest rate of only 2%. Under this Program, farmers and fishers can borrow up to ₱1 million, while cooperatives, associations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can access loans up to ₱5 million. “Nagulat kami — mayroon pa palang ganitong bangko. Hindi ako nahirapan, very friendly ang mga staff. Binigyan nila ako ng magagandang options at inalalayang makumpleto ang mga requirements. Ganoon pala ang LANDBANK — tutulungan ka para maiangat ka, para makakuha ka ng magandang kabuhayan,” said Paolo (“We were surprised — we didn’t know there was still a bank like this. I didn’t have a hard time, the staff are very friendly. They gave me good options and guided me through the requirements. That’s what LANDBANK is like — they help you rise, so that you can build a better livelihood,” said Paolo.) In January 2025, Paolo’s family deployed their new payaos off the coast of Zambales. Their catch grew significantly from roughly 16,000 kilos to nearly 50,000 kilos per month, allowing them to supply public markets as far as Malabon, where prices are more favorable. With a steady income, they were able to save enough to place a down payment on their first delivery truck, saving P25,000 on truck rental costs for every trip to Malabon Public Market. Now, they keep more of their earnings to better support their family’s needs. From safer seas to thriving communities With support from LANDBANK, Paolo’s family has provided safe and sustainable livelihoods for 36 local workers, while ensuring a steady supply of fresh fish from Zambales to Metro Manila. What began as a lifeline for Paolo’s family has since become a source of hope for others. The LIMVQS Enterprise now provides livelihood for 36 local workers hired as harvesters and porters, who no longer risk their safety at sea to earn a living. Local dealers across Zambales have also benefited from the increased fish supply, which has helped stabilize market availability and prices. The ripple effect extends to Metro Manila, where consumers now enjoy a steady supply of affordable, fresh, and responsibly-sourced fish. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa LANDBANK, sa Department of Agriculture, at sa aming LGU na nagbigay ng endorsement at suporta para kami ay makahiram ng sapat na puhunan. Kahit kami ay mula sa marginalized sector, pinaramdam ninyo ang tiwala at suporta para kami’y makabangon at umasenso,” Paolo expressed. (“I am grateful to LANDBANK, the Department of Agriculture, and our LGU for the endorsement and support that allowed us to secure enough capital. Even though we come from the marginalized sector, you showed us trust and support to help us recover and improve our livelihood,” Paolo expressed.) Looking ahead, Paolo plans to apply for another loan from LANDBANK once the first loan is fully paid. He will use the fund to purchase a second truck to expand deliveries to other provinces, such as Laguna. Fueling the current of progress LANDBANK continues to intensify its support across the entire agriculture value chain — from small farmers and fishers to agribusinesses. As of March 2025, the Bank’s agriculture, fisheries, and rural development (AFRD) loan portfolio has grown to ₱844.61 billion, accounting for 53.4% of its total gross loans of ₱1.58 trillion. Between January and March alone, LANDBANK assisted almost 28,000 new small farmers and fishers, bringing total beneficiaries nationwide to 4.04 million. These were supported through direct lending, partnerships with credit conduits, and capacity-building initiatives. 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, Water.org partner to expand access to safe water nationwide
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Water.org Regional Director for Southeast Asia Griselda G. Santos, have partnered to provide sustainable financing solutions for water and sanitation projects, especially in underserved communities. LANDBANK Director Gaudencio S. Hernandez Jr., Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, and Water.org Portfolio Lead Floredick B. Pajarillo witnessed the event. MANILA, Philippines — In a move to improve access to safe, affordable water across the country, LANDBANK and international non-profit organization Water.org have formalized a strategic partnership to scale up investments for water and sanitation projects. The collaboration aims to deliver sustainable financing solutions for water and sanitation projects, particularly in underserved communities. This is in support of the national government’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030. Under the partnership, LANDBANK will share its lending guidelines to support Water.org identify qualified borrowers. In turn, Water.org will provide technical assistance to improve project preparedness and viability, including support for documentation, loan applications, and technical assessments. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Water.org Regional Director for Southeast Asia Griselda G. Santos inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 15 May 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, witnessed by LANDBANK Director Gaudencio S. Hernandez Jr., Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Water.org Portfolio Lead Floredick B. Pajarillo. “By combining LANDBANK’s nationwide reach and financing capacity with Water.org’s expertise in community engagement, technical support, and impact evaluation, we are building a powerful alliance,” said LANDBANK President Ortiz. The collaboration brings together LANDBANK’s strong track record in public infrastructure financing and Water.org’s market-based approach to expanding access to safe water. The partnership is set to benefit local water service providers—including water districts, financial institutions, local government units (LGUs), cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “There's still a long way to go towards a sustainable solution in the Philippines. No one institution—government nor NGO—can do it alone. This challenge provides an opportunity for us to work together for a more sustainable and resilient country,” said Water.org Regional Director Santos, welcoming the partnership as a key milestone in enabling inclusive water solutions in the country. Water.org will identify potential borrowers for water and sanitation projects and refer them to LANDBANK based on the Bank’s eligibility criteria, while also assisting loan applicants in completing documentary requirements. Implementation of the partnership will be carried out under LANDBANK’s Water for Everyone (H2OPE) Program, which supports the development of sustainable water sources, improvement of distribution systems, and construction of sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities nationwide. As of March 2025, LANDBANK has approved P8.8 billion in loans to 36 borrowers under the H2OPE program. The partnership with Water.org is expected to scale the program’s reach and impact, accelerating the delivery of safe water and sanitation across the country. 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. ABOUT Water.org Water.org is a global non-profit organization that has helped transform the lives of more than 56 million people around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. For over three decades, Water.org pioneers market-driven financial solutions to address the global water crisis, empowering families with the resources and opportunities to build healthier, more resilient futures.
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