Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto (2nd from left), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (leftmost), and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (center) confer the Ulirang Magsasaka Award to Deodany L. Cara (3rd from left) with his wife, Ma. Cecilia Cara (4th from left) during the LANDBANK 2024 MERIT Awards on 8 August 2024 in Malate, Manila. Joining them are LANDBANK Directors Virginia N. Orogo (6th from left) and Nancy D. Irlanda (7th from left), together with Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (8th from left) and Vice President Rolando G. Santos. (rightmost).
Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) celebrated its 61st anniversary by recognizing its exceptional development partners in the delivery of essential financial and support services in local communities nationwide.
During an appreciation event held on 08 August 2024 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, the Bank honored outstanding clients and partners across various sectors through the Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards.
“The success stories of our awardees mirror the potential of our nation. It illustrates how far we can progress when we commit to being each other’s steadfast partners in development,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in addressing the MERIT awardees.
“Your work and contributions send a powerful message—that we can put an end to poverty not by looking out only for ourselves, but by working hand in hand together,” he added.
(Left) Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto congratulates the MERIT awardees for their achievements and contributions to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy. (Right) LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz expresses her gratitude to clients and partners for their continued trust and support for the Bank.
The LANDBANK MERIT Awards recognized the Bank’s high-performing clients who have become models of operational excellence, which include cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations and large enterprises, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), microfinance institutions (MFIs), and individual farmers.
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz expressed appreciation to the MERIT awardees for their contributions to advancing agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to helping them achieve their full potential.
"When our clients thrive, we thrive. Every achievement represents our shared success; each milestone is a reflection of the strength of our partnership. That’s why it is only fitting that we pay tribute to you—our dear clients and partners—for your steadfast support and invaluable contributions on this meaningful journey," said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.
Finance Secretary Recto and LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz were joined by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., LANDBANK Directors Virginia N. Orogo, Nancy D. Irlanda, and David D. Erro, and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Vice President Rolando G. Santos in presenting the awards to 14 MERIT awardees.
Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan-Tiuseco, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Atty. Asis G. Perez, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Assistant Secretary Santiago S. Lim, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Assistant Director Daisy B. Pabuaya, and Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC) Senior Vice President Emmanuel R. Torres also graced the event.
Under the Gawad sa Pinakatanging Kooperatiba (Gawad PITAK), the Alicia Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative were hailed as outstanding agri-based cooperatives in the medium and large categories, respectively. The Ating Ani Nueva Ecija Multipurpose Cooperative and Ligas Kooperatiba ng Bayan sa Pagpapaunlad were likewise honored for their outstanding contributions under the non-agricultural category.
The Gawad MSME was awarded to Ms. Fralyn B. Cruz and Sandig Medical Clinic and Hospital under the agri-based and non-agri-based sectors, respectively.
The Gawad Kaagapay was given to DoubleDragon Corporation, Asialink Finance Corporation, and Soliman E.C. Septic Tank Disposal for their contributions as corporations and large enterprises to growing the local economy.
ProFarmers Rural Banking Corporation, Producers Savings Bank Corporation, and ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. were recognized with the Gawad PFI for their exceptional performance under the rural bank, thrift bank, and microfinance categories, respectively.
The Ulirang Magsasaka award was awarded to Mr. Deodany L. Cara, while Mr. Roderick G. Capalongan received a special citation for his innovative approach to integrated farming.
LANDBANK is celebrating its 61st anniversary this month, representing more than six decades of advancing development, inclusion, and sustainability in serving the nation.
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.
BIR, LANDBANK team-up for tax portal for digital services
QUEZON CITY — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has tapped LANDBANK to develop the Value-Added Tax on Digital Services (VDS) Portal, a dedicated platform for Digital Service Providers (DSPs) located outside the Philippines to conveniently file and pay Value-Added Tax (VAT) obligations online for their in-country services. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on 8 July 2025 at the BIR National Office Building in Quezon City. The collaboration is in line with Republic Act No. 12023, which mandates the imposition of VAT on foreign digital service providers for services consumed within the country. LANDBANK will serve as the solution provider for the portal’s development and maintenance, while BIR will oversee implementation and policy compliance, to support the government’s push for digital tax administration and greater revenue mobilization in the digital economy. 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, DOST-TAPI strengthen partnership to support Filipino innovators
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (3rd from left) and DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena (2nd from left) sign the partnership for the enhanced I-TECH Lending Program, designed to provide accessible financing to Filipino inventors and technology developers. Witnessing the signing ceremony on 15 July 2025 at Okada Manila are LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (rightmost) and DOST- TAPI Investment and Business Operations Division Manager Romeo M. Javate (leftmost). In a joint push to advance innovation and inclusive technological development, LANDBANK and the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) have formalized a renewed partnership to provide greater support for Filipino inventors and technology developers. Central to the collaboration is the Innovation and Technology (I-TECH) Lending Program, designed to provide affordable and accessible financing to help inventors commercialize their patented technologies and bring them to market. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) signing on 15 July 2025 at Okada Manila. LANDBANK EVP Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and DOST-TAPI Investment & Business Operation Division Manager Romeo M. Javate witnessed the signing. “At LANDBANK, we firmly believe that technology is a key driver of inclusive growth that opens doors to a better, more sustainable future for all. We believe in the potential of every Filipino innovator, and we are here to back that potential every step of the way,” said LANDBANK PCEO Ortiz. Under the enhanced I-TECH Lending Program, LANDBANK serves as the primary lending conduit, while DOST-TAPI administers the Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF) to fund the program. Empowering innovators with accessible financing The I-TECH Lending Program introduces several enhancements to better serve target beneficiaries, broadening its reach and maximizing impact. To encourage wider participation, the previous loan ceiling of P12.5 million has been removed, allowing eligible borrowers to access up to 85% of the total project cost, and up to 80% for land acquisition. Loan interest charges have likewise been waived through funding sourced from the IGF, enabling the Program to operate as an off-book facility for LANDBANK, and lowering the financial burden on borrowers. These enhancements are in line with Republic Act No. 7459, or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines, which aims to empower local innovators through financial and non-financial assistance. As of 30 June 2025, a total of P32.25 million in loans has been released under the I- TECH Lending Program. Through this enhanced partnership, LANDBANK and DOST-TAPI reaffirm their commitment to empowering Filipino innovators, transforming homegrown ideas into sustainable, high-impact enterprises, and helping build a robust technology-driven economy. 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 powers cashless fare payments in MRT-3
United for seamless transport fare payments: (from left to right) VISA Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro, Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon, DOTr Secretary Vince B. Dizon, DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, BSP Monetary Board Member Walter C. Wassmer, G-Xchange President and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin, and BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan join forces to pilot contactless fare payments at MRT-3 under the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS). LANDBANK reinforced its role as a key enabler of convenient and cashless commuting with the successful pilot launch of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for MRT-3 on 25 July 2025. Under the AFCS, MRT-3 passengers can now experience seamless commuting by simply tapping their debit, credit, or prepaid Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) cards at upgraded turnstiles. This offers a faster and more convenient alternative to single-journey tickets and stored-value cards, marking a shift towards secure, seamless, and real-time transit payments. The live demonstration was led by Transportation Secretary Vince B. Dizon, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member Walter C. Wassmer and Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon, Globe Exchange, Inc. (GXI) President and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, VISA Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro, RCBC President and CEO Reginald Cariaso, and RCBC Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer EVP Lito Villanueva, among other key stakeholders. “We are proud to enable smart, secure, and contactless payments for daily commuters and to support the government’s push for digital transport reform. At LANDBANK, we are always ready to partner with both public and private players to scale interoperable payment solutions that improve everyday lives,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. As part of the collaboration project, GCash operator GXI deployed and maintains the POS terminals and transit system at MRT-3 turnstiles, handling fare computation, reporting, and commuter support to ensure smooth card-based transactions. Meanwhile, LANDBANK serves as the sole acquiring bank and transit payment gateway integrator, ensuring that payments made using EMV cards are authorized, processed, and settled directly into DOTr’s account. LANDBANK’s Transit Payment Solution supports fare payments across different transport modes through an integrated system of validators, a central payment gateway, and settlement services. It works for EMV and other dedicated cards, and can connect with other transit providers through secure digital links to support a truly interoperable nationwide transit experience. The AFCS forms part of the National Government’s broader agenda to digitize public services, aligned with Executive Order No. 170 and the BSP’s Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap. With this initiative, LANDBANK stands ready to help build a fully modernized and inclusive public transport ecosystem, powered by financial technology and strong inter-agency and public sector collaboration. 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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