Mirasol Development Corporation Agrarian Reform Cooperative (MDCARC) was established in 2014 through the assistance of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP).
SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental – Farmer-members of the Mirasol Development Corporation Agrarian Reform Cooperative (MDCARC) were once on the brink of losing the land that they were tilling until they sought assistance from Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).
Through the help of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), MDCARC availed of the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) with LANDBANK which allowed them to continue with the production of their sugarcane farms.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa LANDBANK at sa DAR kasi kung wala sila, baka wala na yung lupa namin. Baka napunta na sa malalaking haciendero,” said MDCARC Chairman Arnold Lapuhapo.
Established in 2014, MDCARC had an initial member of 134 small farmers who pursued their claim for agrarian reform coverage for the almost 40 hectares of agricultural land from its former owner-corporation.
The DAR first assisted MDCARC in 2012 to capacitate them and prepare them for their land ownership, as well as the requirements of APCP availment, which eventually paved the way for LANDBANK to approve their P4.0M-credit line under the APCP in 2014 to finance their sugarcane cultivation and production.
Aside from farming support, Lapuhapo said that APCP was also key in uplifting the lives of their farmer-members saying, “Maraming nagbago talaga. Dati nung meron pa kaming amo hindi namin naranasan magkaroon ng benepisyo at yung Pasko namin mahirap na mahirap. Ngayon, yung mga benepisyo namin at Pasko ay nakakaluwag na.”
At present, MDCARC now owns almost 110 hectares of land dedicated to sugarcane farming. They are also building on the gains that they achieved from being an APCP availer by diversifying the coop’s business to microfinancing, poultry farming, and sand and gravel production, all for the benefit of their farmer-members.
“Ipinagpatuloy namin yung pagpapalago sa coop namin para sa mga susunod na taon ay pataas nang pataas na lang ang aming assets at income,” Lapuhapo added.
The APCP is a joint venture of DAR and LANDBANK, which aims to achieve sustainable crop production and increase the income of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their households through the provision of credit and capacity building assistance.
Aside from APCP, LANDBANK also promotes other programs for the benefit of the ARBs. As the financial conduit of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), the Bank is involved in determining the land valuation and compensation for all lands covered under CARP, and the issuance of Certificate of Full Payment and Release of Real Estate Mortgage to ARBs.
Last year, LANDBANK also partnered with DAR to introduce the Accessible Funds for Delivery to Agrarian Reform Benefeciaries (AFFORD-ARBs) Program which provided loans to finance the production of rice, corn, high-value crops, as well as farm implements. Outstanding loans for this Program in 2019 reached P100.86 million, which was availed by 523 farmer-borrowers and a cooperative.
Meanwhile, the Bank and the Department of Agriculture (DA) is jointly implementing the Socialized Credit Program under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SCP-SIDA) for individual sugarcane farmers, block farms, and common service centers. In 2019, SCP-SIDA loans amounted to P111.37 million, assisting 992 farmers.
For more information, log-on to LANDBANK’s official website at https://www.landbank.com/agrarian-operations or call the Bank’s Agrarian Services Group at (02) 8-405-7363, or visit the nearest LANDBANK Lending Center located nationwide.
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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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LANDBANK offers easy investing in high-yield retail treasury bonds
State-run LANDBANK is making it easier for Filipinos to grow their savings and contribute to nation-building by offering secure and convenient ways to invest in the Retail Treasury Bonds Tranche 31 (RTB 31) with Bond Exchange of the National Government through the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). 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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UP, LANDBANK team up to boost scholarships and digital services
A Future for Inclusive Education. (seated) UP President Angelo A. Jimenez (4th from left) and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin (5th from left) lead the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 01 August 2025 at UP Diliman in Quezon City, formalizing a partnership to support student scholarships, faculty development, and digital financial inclusion across the UP community. Towards advancing inclusive and quality education, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), LANDBANK and the University of the Philippines (UP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide employee-funded scholarships, faculty development grants, and campus-wide digital banking services. Under the MOU, LANDBANK will support the University’s LINGAP-ISKOLAR Program by providing scholarships to select students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), as well as support for professorial chair and faculty grants for UP educators. The initiative is uniquely fully-funded through voluntary donations from the more than 12,000 LANDBANK employees nationwide, aligned with the Bank’s commitment to CSR. “We are proud to walk alongside UP in shaping the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and nation-builders. Whether by funding education or supporting faculty development, LANDBANK is committed to helping expand access to quality education and financial services — especially in underserved communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz in a statement. UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin led the ceremonial signing of the MOU on 01 August 2025 at Quezon Hall, UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City. They were joined by UP Executive Vice President Leo D.P. Cubillan, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ma. Shari Niña G. Oliquino, Office of Admissions Director Francisco N. De Los Reyes, and LANDBANK Senior Vice Presidents Marilou L. Villafranca and Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva as official witnesses to the partnership. CSR and Digital Access Integration The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to empower Filipino students and educators towards progressive, and inclusive national development, aligned with the Bank’s CSR Pillars of S.E.R.V.E.—Sustainability, Environment, Resilience, Volunteerism, and Education. The collaboration includes the rollout of LANDBANK’s Cash-Lite Campus initiative, which promotes cashless transactions across the UP community. The program offers students, faculty, staff, campus vendors, and public transport providers access to digital banking services, including online account opening via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, QR payments, and e-commerce features, ensuring faster, safer, and more convenient daily transactions. Support for Admissions and Employability LANDBANK also assisted in promoting the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) through its branches and online channels, and provided free transportation for examinees in provincial areas during the 2 to 3 August 2025 test days. The Bank will likewise offer internship opportunities and prioritize UP graduates for employment across LANDBANK, its subsidiaries, and foundation. Meanwhile, UP will identify scholarship and grant beneficiaries and help roll out LANDBANK’s financial education and digital banking services through campus-wide engagements. 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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