LANDBANK Visayas Lending Group Head Senior Vice President Elsie Fe Tagupa (center) and Cebu North Lending Center Head Vice President Eulalio G. Lagpa, Jr. (4th from left) visit the newly constructed single-deck tunnel ventilated poultry house with multi-level colony type caging system owned by Bryan (2nd from left) and Aisha Castillo (not in the photo) of Dumanjug, Cebu. The facility for contract growing of poultry was funded through the assistance of LANDBANK.
DUMANJUG, Cebu – Spouses Aisha and Bryan Castillo are now pioneering the use of modernized poultry farming in Cebu with the recent construction of their single-deck tunnel ventilated poultry house, financed through the assistance of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).
Construction of the poultry house started in 2019, which boasts of a multi-level colony type caging system with a capacity of 840,000 birds per year, significantly boosting the quality and productivity of the couple’s contract growing business.
The facility also features advanced components, such as a mechanized rationing of feeds, a climate control system, and a prime colony cage system, among others.
“LANDBANK guided us every step of the way when we were applying for loan assistance. Slowly but surely, the project eventually came to fruition,” said Mr. Castillo, who comes from a family of entrepreneurs, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration major in Management.
With their enhanced production capacity and high-quality products, the Castillos were contracted to provide goods for San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI) when they were just starting in 2019. Now, they serve as an integrator for SMFI and contract growers for Bounty Fresh Food, Inc.
“We are honored to be of service to trailblazers like the Castillo family. We believe that their investment to innovate can be a model for other poultry farms in the country, which in turn can contribute to our nation’s overall food security,” said LANDBANK Cebu North Lending Center Head Vice President Eulalio G. Lagpa, Jr.
Rising above the pandemic
However, just like other small and medium enterprises, the Castillos struggled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and were forced to brave uncharted territory during the first few months of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
“I have never seen Cebu having this low demand for chicken, which is at its lowest as an effect of businesses closing and the transportation ban,” said Mr. Castillo.
Fortunately, LANDBANK granted the spouses a one-time 60-day moratorium for their outstanding loan as part of the provisions under Republic Act No. 11494 or the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act,” designed to help clients like them cope with the impact of the pandemic.
“I am so grateful for the adjustments in loan payment that LANDBANK extended to us. Rest assured that LANDBANK will be the first to know when we decide to expand our business because of the support and encouragement that we’ve been getting from them,” Mr. Castillo added.
As of September 30, 2020, LANDBANK has extended P146.41 billion in outstanding loans to small, medium, and large agribusiness enterprises. This includes P35.63 billion for livestock projects with P13.41 billion specifically for the poultry industry.
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LANDBANK: All transactions complied with law, above board, and in accordance with mandated procedures
LANDBANK strongly refutes any insinuations that its handling of government contractor accounts, particularly those related to the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) flood control projects, involved any irregular or unlawful activity. The Bank affirms that all transactions in question were carried out strictly within the bounds of Philippine banking laws and regulations, under full compliance with government mandates and oversight requirements. The funds deposited in the account of DPWH contractors originated from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), released pursuant to the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as passed by Congress, and disbursed by the DPWH. These funds are legitimate government allocations, not private or unverified sources. LANDBANK, or any other financial institution, has no legal authority to block or question duly appropriated government disbursements. To facilitate fulfillment of government contracts, all creditors/suppliers/payees (i.e. contractors), are enjoined to open and maintain deposit accounts with banks such as LANDBANK, pursuant to DBM Circular No. 2018-14 and Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) Circular No. 3-2018. The Bank has fully observed “Know Your Client” (KYC) protocols, risk management procedures, and documentation requirements for the opening of their LANDBANK accounts. As mandated by the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA): • All cash withdrawals exceeding ₱500,000 are automatically reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) through a Covered Transaction Report (CTR). • Any transaction deemed “suspicious” at the time of execution is immediately flagged to AMLC via a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR). In this case, the legitimacy of the source of funds—government releases through DPWH, the lawful purpose of the payments, and the KYC account opening documentation of the contractors—have all been properly established and recorded. There was, therefore, no basis under the law to withhold the release of funds. LANDBANK reiterates that its role is to faithfully execute banking transactions in accordance with law and regulatory standards, and not to assume investigatory functions outside its legal mandate. The Bank remains committed to the highest standards of integrity, regulatory compliance, and public trust. At the same time, it stands ready to fully cooperate with the proper authorities and investigating bodies to help establish the truth and serve the ends of justice. LANDBANK also affirms that this matter does not diminish its ongoing work of carrying out its mandate—empowering the agricultural sector, supporting farmers and fishers, and advancing the goals of the farming community, which remain at the heart of LANDBANK’s mission of nation-building.
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LANDBANK backs bulk of ₱100-B PSALM power loan
PSALM President and CEO Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna (3rd from left), LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (2nd from left), and DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus (rightmost) lead the ceremonial signing for the ₱100-billion syndicated loan for PSALM, witnessed by Government Corporate Counsel Judge Solomon M. Hermosura (leftmost). QUEZON CITY — In support of the National Government's fiscal sustainability and energy sector reform efforts, LANDBANK is extending majority of a ₱100-billion Syndicated Term Loan Facility to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM). LANDBANK as one of the Joint Lead Arrangers and Lenders, committed ₱60 billion or 60% of the total syndicated term loan facility. The proceeds of the facility will be used to augment PSALM’s working capital requirements, refinance existing liabilities, and settle domestic contractual obligations. PSALM President and CEO Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, and DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus signed the syndicated loan facility agreement on 17 July 2025. The signing was witnessed by Government Corporate Counsel Judge Solomon M. Hermosura. "We are honored to be part of this important milestone, alongside our partners in government and development finance. This transaction reflects our collective resolve to strengthening the Philippine power sector — an industry that is fundamental to shaping the future of our economy and uplifting the lives of every Filipino,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. LANDBANK and DBP acted as the Joint Lead Arrangers for the syndicated deal, with LANDBANK – Trust Banking Group as the Facility and Paying Agent, and the Officer of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) as the Transaction Counsel. The loan will support PSALM fulfill its mandate under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which includes the management, privatization, and optimal liquidation of the remaining assets and financial obligations of the National Power Corporation. LANDBANK has been a steadfast partner of PSALM since 2008, consistently providing essential financing in support of its programs. The Bank also remains a key player in advancing the country’s energy agenda, financing major players in the industry including large oil companies, power producers, and distribution utilities, as part of its role as reliable enable of national 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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LANDBANK backs PNP retirees in streamlining pensions
Streamlining PNP Pensions: PNP Chief of Police General Nicolas Torre III (5th from left) and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) lead the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to streamline the disbursement of pension and other retirement benefits for retired police personnel, held on 14 August 2025 at the PNP National Headquarters in Quezon City. Joining them from LANDBANK are Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (3rd from left), Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca (2nd from left), First Vice President Atty. Nikkolas B. Tolentino (6th from left), Vice President Hansen W. Chu (rightmost), and Assistant Vice President Marissa A. Garduque (leftmost). QUEZON CITY – Committed to delivering accessible and efficient banking services, LANDBANK has been tapped anew by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to simplify pension processing for retiring police personnel. Under this collaboration, active PNP personnel can now continue using their existing LANDBANK payroll accounts as their pension accounts upon retirement. This eliminates the need to open a separate account, saving time, reducing paperwork, and ensuring uninterrupted receipt of benefits for about 250 new PNP pensioners each month. “As the PNP’s depository bank, LANDBANK is honored to be your steadfast partner in making your financial operations more seamless and efficient. We provide a full range of traditional and digital banking solutions to support your needs, while serving the salaries and benefits of over 230,800 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, and around 80,000 pensioners nationwide,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The signing of the amended and restated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was led by PNP Chief of Police General Nicolas Torre III and LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Present as witnesses were Police Brigadier General Jonas Amparo and Police Brigadier General Marlou Roy Alzate, alongside LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca, and Vice President Hansen W. Chu on 14 August 2025 at the PNP National Headquarters. In line with the National Government’s digitalization drive, LANDBANK is likewise encouraging the PNP to expand the use of the Bank’s Link.BizPortal for fee collections. As of June 2025, the Link.BizPortal has processed 2.9 million PNP transactions, with more than 2.85 million for police clearances. As PNP’s longstanding partner, LANDBANK continues to provide payroll servicing, fund transfers, bills payment, and investment facilities, as well as other digital and traditional banking services, to help the agency perform its mandate of maintaining peace and order and ensuring public safety. 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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