Left photo: Now heavily involved in the family business, Arjay Vasquez encouraged his father to invest in mechanization. Right Photo: Husband and wife Romeo and Josefa Consuelo Vasquez showcase their innovative farming technique of growing seeds on trays before they are transplanted to the prepared field.
Born to a landless tenant farmer in San Mateo, Isabela, Romeo Vasquez was determined to improve his life. He worked odd jobs to support himself through college, eventually earning an Agricultural Engineering Degree from the Central Luzon State University. After graduation, he worked double jobs in Manila as sales representative for a fertilizer company and as a jeepney driver at night.
Then with a growing family of his own, he saved all his extra earnings and commissions to buy farm lots. But in 1986, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his left leg, which had to be amputated. Although his doctor gave him a small chance of complete recovery from the cancer, Romeo refused to give in and instead worked harder for his family.
While he remained employed in the fertilizer company, he started cultivating his one-hectare palay farm in his native San Mateo. However, the year 1991 dealt him with both a blessing and a setback – his doctor pronounced him cancer-free, but the fertilizer company he was working for closed down. This prompted him to go back to his farm and, with an additional two hectares mortgaged by local farmers, he created R.S. Vasquez Enterprises as a full-time palay trading, rice milling, and seed production business.
Seeking to make quality rice accessible to ordinary consumers, they created their own Mestizo Rice variety, which became sought-after not only in Isabela, but also in neighboring provinces and in Metro Manila. The business gradually expanded, especially after the Land Bank of the Philippines provided credit lines in 2004, which the couple partly used to supply neighboring farmers with their own seed variety for free. In return, the farmers would sell them their harvest.
Technology-enabled farming
His son, Arjay Rusell, who has been involved in the farm since 2012, encouraged Romeo to invest on mechanization and made sure that the company adopted the latest in rice production technologies. Romeo regularly attended agriculture-related training courses and linked up with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for technical assistance and continuing skills training, which exposed him to various agricultural innovations.
R. S. Vasquez Enterprises also began the production of seeds grown in plastic trays containing combined pulverized soil and organic matter. The seedlings are regularly watered before being transplanted to the prepared field using mechanical transplanters. Because of these innovations, the DA named Engr. Vasquez as National Consultant in hybrid rice promotion to teach farmers proper farm waste management, inter-cropping, and other good practices in agribusiness. He has also won various awards through the years, including the Agricultural Entrepreneur Gold Award in The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines in 2013 and the 3rd place under the Outstanding SME Agri-based Category of the LANDBANK Gawad SME 2018.
The business has since then become a family affair, with their sons on top of introducing the latest farming technologies. They now farm several hectares of land and also advocate farm mechanization by helping set up mechanized farm learning centers that teach proper land preparation, farm site development, and irrigation.
The Enterprise has also generated more than 80 jobs for the community through its palay trading, seeds production, goat raising, and vegetable production businesses. They recently opened a new agricultural supply business, where they also offer free consultancy on palay production activities and agricultural inputs.
Affordable Financing
LANDBANK remains aggressive in providing credit support to farmers like Romeo Vasquez, in pursuit of its drive to help more farmers and fishers boost their production and increase their income.
“As we make direct financing available to more small farmers and fishers nationwide, we also strongly encourage them to invest on mechanization and adopt other agricultural technologies, as this will significantly decrease production cost and improve their harvest,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
LANDBANK helps small farmers to engage in mechanization through its various credit programs. These include the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), which helps small farmers and fishers (SFF), their cooperatives and associations, as well as Micro and Small Enterprises, in their crop production requirements and purchase of agri-machineries, equipment, and facilities.
Another program that LANDBANK implements is the DA-funded Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF), which farmers can tap for their rice production or acquisition of rice farm equipment or machinery. This is available to rice farmers registered in the Registry System on Basic Sectors in Agriculture or RSBSA, and to DA-accredited cooperatives.
The ACEF Lending Program and ERCA-RCEF now have interest rates fixed at only 2% per annum to make them more affordable for small farmers.
The Bank also standardized at 5% per annum the interest rates for most of its direct lending programs for SFFs. These include the Accessible Funds for Delivery to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (AFFORD-ARBs) Program, which provides loans to finance production of rice, corn, and high-value crops, as well as the acquisition of small farm implements.
Harvest of wisdom: Retired professor champions sustainable, inclusive farming
Retired educator Dra. Celeste N. Querijero now devotes her time to cultivating mushrooms and managing her farm in Misamis Oriental, which has become a model of sustainable and inclusive farming. OPOL, Misamis Oriental — After dedicating 44 years to shaping minds as an agriculture professor at the Mindanao State University (MSU), Dra. Celeste N. Querijero was offered a prestigious international consultancy post — a tempting opportunity that recognized her expertise and decades of experience. But she chose to stay closer to home to empower small farmers in the community by sharing her knowledge of sustainable farming that defined her teaching career. "Even before I retired, I already had a deep passion for agriculture,” she shared. “As MSU’s coordinator for extension services, I saw firsthand the pressing needs of our farmers. They wanted knowledge, access, and a stable livelihood. So after retirement, I volunteered myself to serve. It’s my way of giving back after all the blessings I’ve received throughout my career," she said. True to this calling, Dra. Querijero founded the CNQ Diversified Farm in Sitio Saguing Patag, named after her initials. With mushrooms as her flagship crop — an expertise she honed while writing her dissertation in Thailand — she began cultivating oyster mushrooms, and later expanded into a diversified farm ecosystem which includes mulberries, ilang-ilang, coconuts, mangoes, vegetables, legumes, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and ube. Empowered by LANDBANK support Dra. Querijero used the loan from LANDBANK to build a multi-purpose facility, which includes a mushroom growing house on the ground floor. To scale up her farm’s operations, Dra. Querijero tapped LANDBANK’s low-interest financing under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA). The funds enabled her to invest in modern equipment and build a multi-purpose facility as an additional production area and training venue for farmers and stakeholders. From an initial annual yield of 8,000 oyster mushroom packs, CNQ Diversified Farm now produces 20,000 packs distributed to leading malls such as SM, Ayala, and Robinsons, and even reaching markets in Bohol and Cebu. The expansion also created employment for 21 locals, with women comprising 80% of the workforce. A learning hub for sustainable and inclusive farming Beyond its produce, what sets CNQ Diversified Farm apart is its role as a learning hub for sustainable and inclusive farming. Dra. Querijero regularly hosts agriculture-related training sessions in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO), and other government agencies. Dra. Querijero is even in talks with European stakeholders who are interested to take agri training programs. The CNQ Diversified Farm is fast becoming a model for sustainable and inclusive farming, and a convergence zone for universities, government institutions, and local government units eager to replicate its success and promote rural development. The farm’s innovative practices have also become the subject of academic research, culminating in a published book authored by graduate students. “I’m here to guide and teach — not just to build a farm, but to build lives,” said Dra. Querijero. “LANDBANK made this possible by believing in my vision. The loan gave me breathing room — low interest, one-year grace period, and flexible terms — so I could focus on growing before repaying.” LANDBANK’s steadfast commitment to agriculture LANDBANK serves as the DA’s conduit bank in implementing the ACEF Lending Program, which is designed to empower marginalized players in the agriculture sector through affordable credit and support services. Under this Program, individual farmers and fishers can borrow up to ₱1 million, while cooperatives, associations, and MSMEs can access up to ₱5 million for farm inputs, machinery, and facilities essential to production and processing. As of March 2025, LANDBANK has released ₱14.6 billion in loans under the ACEF Lending Program, benefiting 97,162 borrowers nationwide — 98% of whom are small farmers and fishers. 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 declares P33.53-B cash dividends to national gov’t on strong earnings
Driven by its robust financial performance in 2024 and sustained momentum into 2025, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has declared ₱33.53 billion in cash dividends to the National Government — the highest in the Bank’s history. This record-setting cash dividend is expected to fund priority infrastructure and socio-economic programs, reaffirming LANDBANK’s critical role in advancing national development. “LANDBANK’s record-breaking dividend reflects the institution’s solid fundamentals and strategic financial management. This contribution will help power President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s infrastructure push, investments in education and healthcare, and food security agenda. And it does all this while staying true to its core mission: delivering accessible and responsive financial services to Filipinos across the country,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto. “I commend LANDBANK for consistently delivering strategic value—not only to its stakeholders, but to the entire Filipino nation,” he added. In 2024, the Bank remitted ₱32.12 billion in dividends — the highest among all Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs). With this year’s ₱33.53 billion declaration, LANDBANK maintains its standing as the top dividend contributor among GOCCs for the second consecutive year. “The ₱33.53 billion dividend underscores LANDBANK’s unwavering support for government priorities that uplift lives and communities across the country. It also reflects our strong financial foundation and vital role as a pillar of inclusive growth, ensuring that our sustained performance translates into real and lasting impact,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Q1 2025 net income rises 11% to ₱13.29-B LANDBANK posted a solid ₱13.29 billion net income for the first quarter of 2025, up 11% from ₱11.98 billion year-on-year and 32% above its Q1 target. LANDBANK’s total assets grew to ₱3.426 trillion, up 5% year-on-year from ₱3.268 trillion, driven by expansions in both loan and investment portfolios. Customer deposits also rose by ₱136.63 billion or 5% to ₱3.02 trillion, reflecting sustained trust in the Bank’s services. Its gross loan portfolio climbed by 8% to ₱1.58 trillion, while investments surged by 14% to ₱1.50 trillion, supported by growth in both trading and non-trading portfolios. LANDBANK’s financial strength was recently reaffirmed by Fitch Ratings, which upgraded its Viability Rating (VR) to ‘bb+’ from ‘bb’, citing stronger capital buffers, enhanced profitability, and its policy-driven mandate. ₱844.61-B in loans for agriculture and rural development Leveraging its solid financial footing, LANDBANK expanded its Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development (AFRD) loan portfolio to a record ₱844.61 billion as of Q1 2025 — representing 53.4% of its total gross loan portfolio of ₱1.58 trillion. The Bank supported nearly 28,000 new small farmers and fishers during the period, bringing total beneficiaries assisted to 4.04 million nationwide. This was accomplished through a mix of direct lending, credit conduits, and capacity-building interventions, spanning the entire agricultural value chain. LANDBANK ranks 5th in Forbes’ 2025 Best Banks in the Philippines LANDBANK climbed to 5th place in Forbes’ Best Banks 2025 survey in the Philippines, up from 8th last year. It was also recognized among the World's Best Employers for the second year in a row, ranking 4th in the Philippines in 2024 — the only government institution on the list. Now in its seventh year, the Forbes’ global ranking — conducted in partnership with Statista — surveyed over 50,000 individuals across 34 countries, evaluating banks on customer satisfaction, trust, terms and conditions, digital services, customer support, and financial advice. This recognition reflects growing confidence in LANDBANK’s mission-driven banking approach and affirms its role in advancing inclusive finance and sustainable development. 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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Deepening roots, widening reach: LANDBANK helps Bulacan co-op grow with its community
CATMON, Bulacan – In what was once a predominantly agricultural barangay of Santa Maria, Bulacan, a grassroots initiative that began with a handful of farmers under a sampaloc tree has blossomed into one of the province’s most progressive cooperatives. Backed by the steadfast support of LANDBANK, Catmon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) has thrived by growing alongside its community—evolving to meet changing needs while staying true to its agricultural roots. Growing up in Catmon, Emeliza Laurenciana, now the Chairperson of Catmon MPC, recalls the Cooperative as a constant in a community once surrounded by rice fields and backyard farms. “It’s all thanks to the unwavering support of LANDBANK that our Cooperative has flourished, allowing us to uplift the lives of so many in our community, including mine,” Laurenciana shared. From a Tree to a Vision Catmon MPC’s journey started in 1987, when 26 farmers and livestock raisers came together with a shared mission—to improve their lives and uplift their community through agriculture. Each contributed ₱500, pooling a total initial capital of ₱12,500 that would mark the foundation of what is now a pillar of grassroots development in the area. “Back then, local farmers struggled with limited access to capital, technical know-how, and reliable markets. We saw those gaps firsthand, and that became our driving force—to build a Cooperative that could offer real, lasting support where it was most needed,” shared Luisito dela Rosa, one of the 26 founding members who now serves as Catmon MPC’s General Manager. The Cooperative initially focused on livestock production, and with a small grant from the Department of Agriculture (DA), it built a feed mill—a critical asset that improved access to affordable, high-quality animal feeds for farmers across Catmon. A Timely Opportunity A pivotal moment in Catmon MPC’s history was when a representative from LANDBANK visited the Cooperative in 1989 and offered financial access. “We didn’t let that opportunity pass. Because of LANDBANK, we secured the capital we needed for rice production and other ventures,” said Dela Rosa. What started as a single loan to fund agricultural production evolved into a long-term partnership. As the landscape of Catmon shifted from farmlands to residential areas, the Cooperative kept pace by expanding its services to remain a relevant support system for its members. Through all these developments, LANDBANK remained a steadfast partner, providing not only financing but also guidance to help the co-op adapt and expand its reach. “LANDBANK’s support has always allowed us to think ahead. They helped us adapt as our surroundings changed. We’ve expanded our services not just to sustain livelihoods, but to help our members and their families build better lives,” added Laurenciana. New Products, New Purpose Today, Catmon MPC has expanded into dairy production, offering yogurt, flavored milk, and sterilized milk—products that are especially popular among the younger residents in Sta. Maria. The Cooperative also continues to provide financial and livelihood assistance to both long-time members and new households in the community. “What began under a sampaloc tree has now grown into offices and facilities serving communities across Sta. Maria, Bulacan,” shared Dela Rosa, reflecting on the Cooperative’s journey. “To grow with the community means evolving with it. We were founded on agriculture, and that will always be our foundation. But LANDBANK has helped us build on that, expanding our reach without losing sight of where we came from,” he added. Empowering Through Capacity-Building Like its partner LANDBANK, Catmon MPC emphasizes capacity-building as a core value. It regularly conducts training programs to equip members with tools to turn financial and livelihood assistance into sustainable, long-term development. Today, more than three decades since its founding, with over 14,000 members and an asset base exceeding P900 million, Catmon MPC’s continued growth is rooted in a clear vision, strong leadership, and deep ties to its community. Even amid rapid change, it embraces new opportunities, and the Cooperative remains grounded in its original mission: to serve and uplift the community of Catmon. The enduring partnership between LANDBANK and Catmon MPC reflects a shared commitment to driving local development. From a modest effort by a small group of determined farmers that has become a multi-sector cooperative, their story stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through trust, adaptability, and a shared mission to empower communities and build a more inclusive, sustainable future. 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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