In celebration of National Coconut Month and the 34th National Coconut Week from August 24 to 30, 2020, state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) assured stakeholders of the coconut and coffee industries of the Bank’s available credit facilities designed to help improve their operations and income.
On the last day of the five-day webinar series, “Coco-Kwentuhan sa Negosyo,” organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMP) last August 28, LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo said the Bank stands ready to support coconut and coffee stakeholders through its existing lending programs with low interest rates.
Under the Coconut Production and Processing Financing (Coco-Financing) Program, LANDBANK is extending credit assistance to coconut farmers and other industry stakeholders engaged in the production and processing of coconut-based products.
The Bank is also providing credit support to stakeholders involved in the production of high-value crops like coffee, as well as abaca, banana, cacao, rubber, and vegetables, through the Sulong Saka Program or High Value Crops Financing Program. Aside from promoting crop production, the Program also supports projects that involve the processing and marketing of high value commodities.
The LANDBANK Coco-Financing Program and Sulong Saka Program are open to individual small farm holders, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives and farmers’ association, large agribusiness enterprises/corporations, Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and Countryside Financial Institutions (CFIs).
Eligible borrowers may apply for a loan under these programs with an affordable interest based on prevailing market benchmark rate. For smallholder farmer, interest rate of 5% per annum to fund coconut and coffee production, including new plantation, replanting, rejuvenation and rehabilitation; establishment of nursery gardens; post-harvest activities such as fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding/packaging and storage; processing/milling; and manufacturing and trading.
Production loans under the Coco-Financing Program and Sulong Saka Program are payable based on crop cycle/gestation and payback period of the project. Meanwhile, tenor for fixed asset acquisition is based on project cash flow but not more than the economic useful life of fixed assets or remaining useful life for second hand/refurbished machines. For permanent working capital and working capital, tenor of up to three (3) years and one (1) year, respectively, is provided.
President Borromeo also expressed support for the establishment of coconut-based farming systems, and the adoption of coconut-coffee intercropping to help coconut farmers become more profitable.
As explained by National Scientist and CAMP Chairman Dr. Emil Q. Javier during the webinar, coconut-based farming system is the practice of growing other high-value crops, such as coffee, cacao, bananas, papaya, pineapple and vegetables, under the coconuts. Considering the increasing demand for coffee in the country, he said that intercropping of coffee with coconut trees will help farmers generate more income.
“We fully agree that a coconut-based farming system will increase productivity and farmers’ income, and promote value-adding operation. We also support promoting the adoption of coconut-coffee intercrop. Aside from the technical requirement for shade to young coffee plants, this production model will lead to increased land productivity and farmers’ income,” President Borromeo said.
Interested borrowers of the LANDBANK Coco-Financing Program and Sulong Saka Program 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.
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LANDBANK launches new financing window to empower MSMEs
LANDBANK launches the new LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program with DTI, key partners, and MSMEs from Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal on 09 December 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, aimed at empowering businesses at every stage. LANDBANK has formally launched the LANDBANK’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth thru Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (LIFTING MSMEs) Lending Program, a comprehensive financing initiative aimed at strengthening support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Philippines. The launch event, held on 9 December 2025 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, gathered over 200 MSMEs from Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, alongside key partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and Go Negosyo. Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the event, underscoring the program’s pivotal role in providing MSMEs with accessible and flexible financing solutions at every stage of their development. In her remarks, Secretary Roque reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs, stating: “Whether you are a start-up making your first step, a growing enterprise expanding capacity, or an established business ready to level up, the growth of these businesses means more jobs. These options matter because every business has a story to tell and every entrepreneur deserves a fair chance to grow.” The event also featured a session on financial health and wellness led by the BSP, providing practical strategies for managing cash flow and enhancing business resilience. “The LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program integrates all our existing lending initiatives into a cohesive platform. It streamlines processes, improves accessibility, and ensures that financing support is comprehensive, flexible, and inclusive. Through this unified program, businesses at every stage can access tailored financing complemented by technology support and practical tools to help them thrive in a competitive landscape,” said LANDBANK President Ortiz, highlighting the program’s integrated approach. DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque (3rd from right) and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (3rd from left) underscore the strengthened partnership between LANDBANK and DTI through the launch of the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program. Joining them are BSP Managing Director Atty. Charina De Vera-Yap (rightmost) and LANDBANK Directors Omar Byron T. Mier (leftmost), Gaudencio S. Hernandez, Jr. (2nd from left), and Virginia N. Orogo (2nd from right). Tailored financing and strategic support The LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program consolidates all existing MSME lending initiatives of LANDBANK into a unified, streamlined platform. It offers three loan packages tailored to a business’s stage of growth: Start-ups and microenterprises operating for less than a year can access up to ₱500,000 in working capital through the Start-Up Loan. More established micro and small enterprises may avail of the Step-Up Loan, which offers up to ₱5 million for expansion and stabilization. For SMEs seeking major transformation, the Level-Up Loan grants up to ₱50 million to support strategic projects, technology adoption, and enhanced competitiveness. Additional program benefits include reduced interest rates and access to digital tools such as point-of-sale terminals and the LANDBANK Corporate Credit Card. This initiative is in direct response to Republic Act No. 11981, otherwise known as the “Tatak Pinoy Act,” and further expands direct credit access to viable micro and small enterprises. It establishes a dedicated, branded lending program for MSMEs, reinforcing LANDBANK’s commitment to financial inclusion and national development. Prospective borrowers may apply through the LANDBANK Business Loan Application Portal or visit any LANDBANK Lending Center or branch nationwide for assistance, or contact the LANDBANK Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8405-7000. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines 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 brings financial services closer to Filipinos through regional GOCC caravan
Finance Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan (7th from right) leads the opening of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Service Caravan on November 27-28, 2025, at SM City Pampanga, together with GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus (8th from right), SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro (6th from right), LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin, and representatives from other participating GOCCs. SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – Following the success of the inaugural event in Manila, LANDBANK reaffirms its commitment to accessible public service by participating in the regional rollout of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Service Caravan on November 27-28, 2025, at SM City Pampanga. Spearheaded by the Department of Finance (DOF), the two-day caravan, themed “Serbisyo sa Bayan, Hatid ng GOCCs, Kaakbay ang DOF,” aims to bring convenient and coordinated government services directly to communities in Central Luzon, supporting the national government's thrust for greater public visibility and engagement. “This service caravan is our way of showing that public service should be accessible, visible, and centered on what the people need. By bringing these services to communities, working closely with our agencies, and helping more Filipinos understand what our GOCCs can offer, we can provide real support and strengthen trust in our government," said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Frederick D. Go, in a message delivered by Finance Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan. The caravan gathered key government institutions to provide a one-stop shop for public services. Joining LANDBANK and the DOF are the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Pag-IBIG Fund, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and other GOCCs. Accessible banking and loan services LANDBANK officers are ready to assist clients with on-site digital account opening through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), and other banking services at the regional GOCC Caravan. The event drew a diverse audience of pensioners, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, fishers, and urban workers from across the region, as LANDBANK showcased financial solutions tailored to the needs of Central Luzon’s sectors and communities. Featured programs include the Bank’s flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, which provides timely financing to farmers and fishers for their production needs and livelihood projects, including the purchase of raw materials, machinery, equipment, and necessary working capital to operationalize activities, with a low, fixed interest rate of 3.0% per annum for greater affordability. “LANDBANK is excited to bring our services directly to the people of Pampanga and across Central Luzon. This caravan is a strategic platform to connect with our kababayans, understand their needs, and present financial solutions that can help improve their lives and grow their businesses,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. To promote financial inclusion, the Bank also facilitated on-site account opening and demonstrated the ease of using the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) for everyday transactions, such as bills payment, fund transfers, and digital loan products. The Bank also promoted the GoBayani, a digital deposit account for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad, which provides secure access for fund transfers, e-commerce, and receiving remittances via Visa Direct, as well as the PISO Plus account, a no-maintaining-balance savings account opened via the LANDBANK MBA, ideal for receiving digital disbursements, among other Bank products. LANDBANK’s active participation in this regional caravan underscores its unwavering commitment to nation-building, and in empowering Filipinos for a better 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 country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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Seeds of progress: LANDBANK and Nueva Ecija farmers cultivate food security
SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija — For more than three decades now, the Nueva Ecija Seed Grower Multipurpose Cooperative (NESGMPC) has been a key contributor to strengthening the country’s food security by producing high-quality inbred rice seeds, while also providing a stable and reliable source of livelihood for local farmers. Today, NESGMPC is composed of 78 active members who collectively produce up to 350,500 bags of certified inbred seeds annually, supplying Regions I, III, IV-A, V, VI, and VIII, and even reaching as far as Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Sur, and South Cotabato. Fueling this success is the strong partnership with LANDBANK, whose credit facilities enable the cooperative to promptly pay its members for their seeds—ensuring local farmers have a ready market and dependable income. From Masagana 99 to a thriving cooperative NESGMPC traces its roots to the government’s Masagana 99 Program, a rice production initiative launched in the 1970s to help farmers increase yields and achieve rice self-sufficiency. During this period, the Maligaya Rice Research and Training Center encouraged local farmers to organize and meet the growing demand for certified seeds. What began as a small group seeking a more stable livelihood formalized into NESGMPC in 1992, earning the trust of farmers and partner agencies as one of Nueva Ecija’s most respected seed producers. From the brink to breakthrough NESGMPC’s journey was not without challenges. In 2014, the co-op faced a financial crisis with no procurement projects and only one staff member remaining. “Halos wala na kami noon, and we were barely surviving,” recalled Acting General Manager Fidel C. Patricio. Determined to save the cooperative, the new management worked without honoraria, even covering expenses from their own pockets. They rebuilt trust, restructured systems, and seized every opportunity to revive operations. A turning point came when the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 urgently needed 10,000 bags of certified seeds for areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. Despite limited resources, NESGMPC’s delivered—marking the start of its steady rise. LANDBANK: A partner in recovery and expansion As NESGMPC regained momentum, LANDBANK became one of its key pillars of support. Through expanding credit lines, the Bank enabled the cooperative to buy seeds from its members and pay them early, giving farmers the liquidity to grow their operations. “Kung wala ang LANDBANK, hindi namin mararating ang ganito,” said Patricio. Beyond financing, LANDBANK also provided training in accounting, financial management, and cooperative strengthening—helping NESGMPC modernize and expand across regions. From a modest credit line, NESGMPC now enjoys up to ₱100 million in financing, enabling it to consistently meet national rice program requirements and maintain timely payments to its members. Changing lives through seed growing The co-op’s revival transformed lives. One inspiring story is Jeremias A. Geranta, a former medical technologist who found pride and purpose as a seed grower. Rising expenses pushed him to farming, and joining NESGMPC allowed him to provide for his family, expand his 2-hectare farmland, and even establish two gasoline stations and several small businesses. “Dito ko napatunayan na ‘yung pagiging isang magsasaka, particularly yung isang seed grower, ay napakagandang trabaho. Hindi lang dahil maganda ang kita, kundi nakakatulong din sa ating kapwa mamayang Pilipino,” Geranta shared. Growing beyond the fields Today, NESGMPC stands far from its 2014 struggles. With stronger governance, expanding markets, and solid institutional support, the cooperative continues to strengthen its role in national rice production. It aims to mechanize more processes, boost efficiency, and maintain the high quality of its certified seeds—while uplifting more farmers and ensuring Filipino communities have access to seeds for a stable harvest. “Habang ang Pilipino ay kumakain ng bigas, nakikita ko ang kahalagahan pa rin ng pagbibinhi. Dahil kung walang magandang binhi, walang magandang itatanim ang ating mga magsasaka,” Patricio said. In recognition of its valuable contribution to nation-building, NESGMPC was honored with a LANDBANK award as the Outstanding Agri-Based Cooperative under the Gawad PITAK (Pinakatanging Kooperatiba) Large Category during the inaugural Gawad TANYAG (Tanging Yaman at Galing) Awards, held in celebration of the Bank’s 62nd anniversary in 2025.
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