Bataan palay farmers Godofredo Magpoc (leftmost), Danilo Zulueta (upper right), and Roberto Morales (lower right) reap the benefits of financial assistance from the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF) Program of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the production requirements of their rice fields.
BATAAN – For the past 37 years, Godofredo Magpoc has provided for his family by growing different varieties of palay in his 2-hectare farm in Orion town. But with the recent decline in palay prices affecting his income, raising capital to sustain his livelihood has become a challenge.
“Sa panahon ngayon, lubhang napakahirap para sa isang magsasaka ang mawalan ng puhunan. Kaya naman napipilitan humiram sa patubuan (informal lenders),” Magpoc said.
In December 2019, Magpoc learned about the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF) Program of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Department of Agriculture (DA). This credit facility aims to boost the productivity and income of small rice farmers, and cushion the initial impact of Republic Act No. 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).
Under the ERCA-RCEF, individual farmers may borrow up to 90% of the total project cost—at a fixed interest rate of 2% per annum—for the purchase of farm inputs for rice and rice seed production, and acquisition of farm machineries and equipment for production and post-production.
Magpoc successfully applied for a loan of P78,500.00 from LANDBANK, which he used to purchase farm inputs and hire additional farm workers. Since availing of the ERCA-RCEF Program, he has seen an increase in yield of about 30-40 cavans of rice every harvest season. He will be availing his fourth loan under the Program this May 2021.
“In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, LANDBANK remains focused on delivering responsive financial services most especially to rice farmers and cooperatives. Through the ERCA-RCEF Program, we aim to increase their productivity and income through timely and accessible financial assistance,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
Like Magpoc, palay farmer Danilo Zulueta from the Municipality of Pilar, also enjoyed the benefits of the ERCA-RCEF Program. A farmer for the past 20 years, he was granted a loan of P61,500.00 last December 2020 to support his 1.5-hectare rice field, which he used for land preparation, and to buy fertilizers and pesticides.
“Malaki ang naitulong ng pautang ng LANDBANK at DA. Dahil sa sapat na puhunan, nakapagpatanim ako ng naaayon sa bilang ng araw ng punla at nakapagsabog ng abono (fertilizer) sa tamang panahon. Dahil dito, naniniwala akong magkakaroon ako ng masaganang ani at siyempre, magkakaroon ng karagdagang kita,” said Zulueta.
For Roberto Morales, another palay farmer from Balanga City, the ERCA-RCEF Program is the best alternative from informal lenders who charge higher interest rates. Under the Program, LANDBANK granted him a loan of P82,000.00 in December 2019 which he used as additional capital to purchase fertilizers and pesticides.
“Malaki ang naitulong ng perang nahiram ko mula sa LANDBANK. Tumaas ang aking kita dahil 2% per annum lang ang interest rate ng ERCA-RCEF kumpara sa iba na may mataas na interes,” said Morales.
Continuing support for palay farmers
Under the ERCA-RCEF Program, LANDBANK has cumulatively released P1.03 billion in loans to 6,214 eligible borrowers composed of palay farmers and cooperatives as of April 30, 2021.
Most of the farmer-beneficiaries were from Region 2—particularly the rice-producing provinces of Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino—where LANDBANK assisted a total of 3,129 rice farmers and 19 cooperatives.
DA-accredited cooperatives may also borrow under the ERCA-RCEF Program for the purchase of farm inputs for rice and rice seed production as a collective operation, working capital for rice and rice seed trading, and other rice farming-related activities such as the acquisition of machineries and equipment, as well as relending and rediscounting of existing loans of small rice farmers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
For on-lending, the interest rate is at 0% per annum with prescribed pass-on rate to end-borrowers of up to 6% per annum.
As mandated by Republic Act No. 11203, LANDBANK shall continue to administer the ERCA-RCEF Program for DA until 2024, and make available P500 million in loans annually to rice farmers registered to the RSBSA in 38 rice-producing provinces.
For more information about LANDBANK’s Lending Programs, interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
Honored among the world’s best: LANDBANK earns global recognitions for banking excellence and leadership in 2025
LANDBANK has earned seven major distinctions from leading global financial publications in 2025, recognizing its exceptional performance in inclusive finance, institutional banking, investment banking, and the visionary leadership of its President and CEO. Affirming its leadership in financial inclusion and its stature in the banking industry, the state-run Bank earned a spot on the Forbes World’s Best Banks 2025 list, ranking 5th among nine Philippine banks recognized by the global media company, in partnership with Statista. LANDBANK was also included in the Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025 list, placing 4th in the Philippines and 187th out of 900 organizations worldwide, underscoring its strong workplace culture, employee engagement, and commitment to public service excellence. LANDBANK was likewise named Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion and Best Investment Bank for Debt Capital Markets (DCM) at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, in recognition of its pivotal role in structuring and facilitating debt financing across various sectors, and its commitment to reaching and serving underserved sectors and communities. The Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Awards also cited the Bank for expanding customer access through innovative, customer-centered services, with the Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines award. Beyond these institutional distinctions, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz received two major leadership recognitions in 2025 – as Best New Banking CEO for 2025 by the Global Banking & Finance (GBF) Awards, citing her transformational leadership and measurable impact in strengthening the Bank’s financial performance and credibility. Fortune Magazine also recognized PCEO Ortiz as one of Asia’s Most Powerful Women in 2025, ranking 3rd in the Philippines and 72nd on the worldwide list and highlighting her influential leadership in advancing inclusive finance, digital transformation, and public service innovation. “These recognitions reflect LANDBANK’s intensified focus on inclusive banking, digital transformation, and service excellence. They are a testament to the dedication of all Landbankers nationwide, whose collective efforts empower our clients and communities while advancing the nation’s broader development goals,” said PCEO Ortiz. Sustaining Support to Nation-Building LANDBANK continues to deliver on its dual mandate as a development and universal bank by channeling its financial strength toward national growth. This year, LANDBANK declared ₱33.53 billion in cash dividends to the National Government — the highest in its history and among all government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) — on the back of its strong financial performance. Through its flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, the Bank strengthens access to affordable and responsive financing for small farmers, fishers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses. The Program features a lowered interest rate of 3% per annum and simplified application processes, allowing borrowers to secure the capital they need to adopt modern farm practices, scale production, and enhance their overall competitiveness. Complementing its loan support is the ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support thru Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, which provides training in digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development, aimed at empowering borrowers to become full-fledged agripreneurs. Inclusive Banking for Every Filipino LANDBANK continues to expand its reach through its “phygital” strategy, seamlessly integrating its physical presence with advanced digital channels. This approach ensures a secure and convenient banking experience while serving the underserved and unbanked. The Bank also recently piloted its Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR payment facility in Negros Occidental, enabling farmers and MSMEs to conduct safe, cashless transactions. The Bank maintains a nationwide network of 10,582 customer touchpoints, including 609 branches, 60 lending centers, 3,244 automated teller machines (ATMs), 236 cash deposit machines (CDMs), and 1,091 LANDBANKasama partners, ensuring financial access even in the most remote communities. Customers can also transact free of charge at over 3,800 7-Eleven ATMs nationwide through the Bank’s partnership with Pito Axm Platform, Inc. (PAPI). ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the country’s largest government financial institution promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces, the Bank remains steadfast in providing accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK surges past ₱3.14-T in digital transactions, drives financial inclusion nationwide
LANDBANK is setting the pace for digital banking in the Philippines, powering an impressive ₱3.14 trillion in digital transactions in the first nine months of 2025. This marks a 36% increase in value and a 27% rise in volume year-on-year, with over 550 million transactions processed — a clear sign that Filipinos are embracing fast, secure, and convenient digital solutions. The Bank’s digital ecosystem — spanning the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), iAccess, Link.BizPortal, weAccess, Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS), LANDBANKasama, e-Tax Payment System (eTPS), the new BIR VDS Portal, LANDBANK Bulk Credit System (LBCS), and LANDBANK Remittance System (LBRS) — continues to transform how individuals, businesses, and government agencies transact. At the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2025, LANDBANK showcased its commitment to inclusive finance through innovation and strong governance. From retail banking to institutional services, LANDBANK is bridging gaps and expanding financial access, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). “Innovation, at its heart, must make people’s lives easier — more connected, more secure, and more inclusive. LANDBANK’s digital transformation began with that principle. We modernized our systems not just to compete, but to serve our people better,” said LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin during her presentation at the Singapore EXPO Convention Center on November 13. The LANDBANK MBA continued to drive client adoption, accounting for the majority of transaction volume with over 492.44 million transactions valued at ₱418.40 billion, representing increases of 26% in volume and 38% in value, respectively, compared to the previous year. The Bank’s online retail banking channel, iAccess, facilitated 2.59 million transactions worth ₱11.89 billion, while its web-based payment platform, Link.BizPortal, processed 6.76 million transactions amounting to ₱12.27 billion, posting growth of 20% in volume and 37% in value year-on-year. Institutional clients drove significant gains through the weAccess platform, which handled 32.85 million transactions valued at ₱1.29 trillion, reflecting increases of 69% and 37% from a year ago, respectively. A major driver of this growth was the surge in ATM payroll transactions, which reached 26.95 million transactions amounting to ₱266.71 billion, underscoring weAccess as a key payroll facility for both public and private sector clients. Meanwhile, government disbursements via eMDS reached ₱1.14 trillion across 3.63 million transactions, growing by 32% in volume and 40% in value. Through its network of agent banking partners under the LANDBANKasama Program, the Bank recorded 2.38 million transactions valued at ₱11.68 billion, up 13% in volume and 14% in value, as it continues to expand financial access in GIDAs nationwide. LANDBANK’s alternative tax payment facility, the eTPS, facilitated 554,151 transactions worth ₱132.93 billion, representing 21% and 16% growth, respectively. The recently launched BIR VDS Portal, developed in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), generated ₱1.93 billion in transaction value in its first year of implementation. The LBCS, used mainly for batch disbursements, recorded 6.08 million transactions with a total value of ₱52.37 billion, increasing by 7% in volume and 6% in value. Meanwhile, the LBRS processed 650,203 transactions totaling ₱58.26 billion, reflecting an 11% increase in value year-on-year. LANDBANK remains steadfast in leveraging digital innovation to meet the evolving needs of customers and strengthen financial inclusion, in line with its role as the country’s leading digital government and development bank. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the country’s largest government financial institution promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces, the Bank remains steadfast in providing accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK Q3 income climbs 42% year-on-year to ₱35.65 B, reflecting strong financial momentum
LANDBANK achieved a significant 42% jump in net income to ₱35.65 billion as of the third quarter of 2025, already surpassing its full-year earnings of ₱35.36 billion in 2024, and underscoring the Bank’s robust financial trajectory and performance above historical averages. Total assets expanded to a record ₱3.45 trillion, supported by growth in loan and investment portfolios. This solidifies LANDBANK’s position as the country’s second-largest universal and commercial bank in terms of assets. “LANDBANK’s strong performance as of the third quarter underscores our prudent management, operational efficiency, and continued investments in digital innovation. We remain steadfast in our mission to drive inclusive growth, empower the agriculture sector, and deliver innovative financial solutions for all Filipinos,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The Bank’s loan portfolio is now at its peak at ₱1.70 trillion, propelled by the higher volume of loans across all segments. Deposits rose to a new high of ₱3.07 trillion, demonstrating continued trust from both government and private sector depositors. LANDBANK’s digital transformation continued to accelerate, processing 550.73 million digital transactions valued at ₱3.14 trillion as of September 2025. This represents a 51% increase in volume from the previous quarter. The state-run Bank remained steadfast in its developmental mandate, with outstanding loans to Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development (AFRD) reaching over ₱812 billion, accounting for over 47% of LANDBANK’s total loan portfolio. Under LANDBANK’s flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, the Bank has extended ₱1.95 billion in loans as of September 2025 to over 12,300 borrowers since its launch last year, most of whom are small farmers and fishers. Through the Program’s capacity-building component, a total of 25,296 small farmers and fishers have been trained. LANDBANK’s nationwide network continued to expand with 10,582 touchpoints, including 609 branches, 60 lending centers, 3,244 automated teller machines (ATMs), and 1,091 LANDBANKasama partners, ensuring broad access to financial services across the country. Customers can also transact free of charge at over 3,800 7-Eleven ATMs nationwide through the Bank’s partnership with Pito Axm Platform, Inc. (PAPI). 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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