(Top photo) Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale Corvera (7th from left) and LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (8th from left) lead the ceremonial awarding of ACEF loans to palay farmer Agapito A. Bacalso Sr. (5th from right) and corn farmer Violita T. Prandas (4th from right) during the LANDBANK Financial Inclusion Forum in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte attended by more than 600 small farmers (lower photo). Also introduced during the program was Baug CARP Beneficiaries MPC as the Bank’s Agent Banking Partners in Las Nieves, led by General Manager Luxmi Auxillo (5th from left). Joining them are Las Nieves Mayor Avelina Rosales (9th from left), Vice Mayor Larry Bautista (6th from left), and LANDBANK officials led by Branch Banking Sector Head EVP Joselito Gutierrez (3rd from left), Mindanao Lending Group Head FVP Charlotte I. Conde (2nd from left), East Mindanao Branches Group Head FVP Camilo C. Leyba (rightmost), and CARAGA Lending Center Head Department Manager Linbert Fajunio (leftmost).
LAS NIEVES, Agusan del Norte – For most residents of this 2nd class municipality in the northern part of the province, farming and fishing has been the way of life for its close to 30,000 residents, with the nearest banks and financial institutions still two hours away from the nearby cities of Bayugan and Butuan.
Las Nieves is one of the country’s 536 cities and municipalities out of 1,634 that have remained unbanked according to the 2017 Financial Inclusion Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
This year, it is one of eight municipalities where Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is launching its Agent Banking Program, which will provide the public with basic banking transactions such as Point-of-Sale (POS) cash-out, prepaid card sale, card reload/card refund/withdrawal, balance inquiry, and bills payment.
Through partnerships with client cooperatives, associations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and private entities, LANDBANK’s Agent Banking Program is targeted to further expand its reach in remote and unbanked areas without the Bank’s presence.
During LANDBANK’s 5th Financial Inclusion (FI) Forum for 2019 here last October 12, 2019, the Bank formally introduced the Baug CARP Beneficiaries MPC (BCBMPC) as its first Agent Banking Partner in Las Nieves.
Launched in 2016, and now on its fourth year run, the half-day forum, dubbed “Ipon at Kabuhayan para sa ating Kababayan,” gathered more than 600 attendees, majority of whom are farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
“This is part of LANDBANK’s efforts in bringing our products and services closer to the countryside. With this campaign, we hope to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos, particularly the small farmers and fishers, and their families, who are in dire need of financial support for their agricultural livelihood activities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
BCBMPC started as an association of small fishers of shrimps and crabs in 1987. By 1995, they were officially recognized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as an ARB-cooperative with 110 members. They were first granted a production loan by LANDBANK on October 12, 1998.
And exactly 21 years later, on October 12, 2019, LANDBANK has now partnered with BCBMPC as the Bank’s Agent Banking Partner in Las Nieves under the Agent Banking Program. The Cabadbaran City-based cooperative now boasts of 20,000 coop members, with total assets of P700 million.
The LANDBANK FI Forum is an initiative of the Bank in line with its financial inclusion thrust of serving unbanked communities across the country. Since its launch, LANDBANK has helped bring over 10,000 underserved Filipinos under the umbrella of formal financial services from 28 municipalities.
Las Nieves is the 5th stop of the FI Forums this year. A total of 3,252 farmers and fishers have already participated in the first five areas of the FI Forums namely, Sto. Niño, Cagayan; Rizal, Palawan; Libacao, Aklan; and Aloguinsan, Cebu. FI Forums will also be conducted in Mayantoc, Tarlac; Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Polillo Islands, Quezon within the year.
During the event, LANDBANK featured modules on financial literacy to help farmers improve their income through the proper management of finances, as well as Bank products and services, particularly its direct lending programs for farmers.
These programs include the Accessible Funds For Delivery to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (AFFORD-ARBs), the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
At the same time, BCBMPC received a ceremonial check from LANDBANK in the amount of Php200 million representing its loan from the Bank for relending to small farmers and fishers.
Joining LANDBANK President Borromeo at the event were Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera, Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales, LANDBANK Executive Vice President for Branch Banking Sector Joselito P. Gutierrez, East Mindanao Branches Group Head First Vice President Camilo C. Leyba, Mindanao Lending Group Head First Vice President Charlotte I. Conde, CARAGA Lending Center Head Department Manager Linbert Fajunio, and Butuan Branch Head Department Manager Augustus Manuel E. Mantua.
Meanwhile, farmers who availed of the ACEF loan program were also recognized during the event, namely Agapito A. Bacalso Sr. (palay production) and Violita T. Prandas (corn production).
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LANDBANK brings calamity assistance to GOCC Caravan
In support of the National Government’s thrust to deliver responsive and accessible public services, LANDBANK joined the launch of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Caravan, offering financial relief and recovery programs for clients affected by the recent typhoons experienced nationwide. Spearheaded by the Department of Finance (DOF), the two-day Caravan officially kicked off on 29 July 2025 at Robinsons Manila in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other GOCCs. “Maraming serbisyong pampubliko ang inaalok at handang ibigay ng gobyerno na lingid sa kaalaman ng ating mga mamamayan. This is our way of enabling our people to maximize the benefits the government can offer,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in a statement. LANDBANK featured at the event its emergency and calamity assistance programs designed to help fast-track recovery and rebuilding efforts. “We are committed to providing urgent and practical financial solutions for our kababayans affected by recent calamities. Whether for emergency needs or rebuilding their livelihoods and businesses, LANDBANK is here to help our clients get back on their feet and move forward,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Emergency Support Programs LANDBANK highlighted its Community Assistance and Reintegration Support Plus (CARES Plus) Lending Program, which offers financing support to affected farmers and fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations, and electric distribution utilities. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, or the repair and acquisition of disaster-damaged equipment, facilities, and structures. Electric cooperatives and utilities may also access short-term financing to address increased generation and distribution costs. LANDBANK also promoted its Electronic Salary Loan (eSL) for government and private employees with LANDBANK payroll accounts for convenient access to credit via the Bank’s digital platforms. Proceeds are credited directly to the borrower’s account, and qualified borrowers may renew their loans after three months of good payment standing. To support LANDBANK cardholders in urgent need of funds, the Bank is also offering its EasyCash for Emergencies service, allowing qualified credit cardholders to convert their available credit limit into emergency cash with repayment terms of up to 36 months. For pensioners and government employees, the Bank is also offering the Pension and Emergency Relief (PeER) Loan Facility to provide accessible credit assistance to serve urgent financial needs. Under the LANDBANK PEER facility, eligible borrowers may avail of loans ranging from P20,000 to P300,000 at a competitive interest rate of 10% per annum, to cover emergency expenses, medical needs, and other immediate requirements. To further expand access to financial services, LANDBANK also facilitated straight-through account opening through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) at the event, allowing customers to conveniently open a digital savings account using only their smartphones. A Concerted Government Effort Other GOCCs joined LANDBANK and BIR in the caravan, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Small Business Corporation (SBC), National Development Company (NDC), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The Bank’s active participation in the GOCC Caravan reaffirms its commitment to inclusive and needs-based financial services — especially during times of crisis — towards empowering Filipinos and building resilient communities. LANDBANK is celebrating its 62nd anniversary this month marking 62 meaningful years of advancing growth, financial inclusion, and sustainability through responsive and impactful banking services. 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. Launched on 05 August 2025 with the theme “RTB 31 For Everyone,” this latest peso-denominated RTB offering is a five-year investment that offers a competitive annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum, paid quarterly. The BTr is offering the RTB 31 to help fund key national priorities, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. "Together, let us continue to broaden participation, strengthen trust in government securities, and ensure that every Filipino can become a part of our national growth story," said National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza. During the rate-setting auction ahead of the RTB 31 launch, the BTr attracted an overwhelming P354.2 billion in total tenders — equivalent to 11.8 times the initial offer of P30 billion. Of this amount, P210 billion or 59% was awarded, underscoring sustained strong investor confidence in the National Government. “We are opening more doors for every Filipino to invest — not just in secure, high-yielding instruments like the RTB 31, but in the future of our country. Through LANDBANK’s digital platforms, we are empowering citizens here and abroad to grow their savings with ease, while helping fund critical programs that uplift lives and communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Investing made simple and accessible With a minimum investment of only P5,000, with subsequent investments in multiples of P5,000 thereafter, investors from the country and abroad can conveniently participate in the RTB 31 offering through the mobile banking apps of LANDBANK and the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) — the official digital bank of the Philippine government and a subsidiary of LANDBANK. Investors may also use the BTr Online Ordering Facility and settle the payments via LANDBANK’s Link.BizPortal, free of charge. The public offer period for RTB 31 runs until 15 August, with the issue date on 20 August 2025 and maturity on 20 August 2030. As a Joint Lead Issue Manager, LANDBANK reinforces its commitment to financial inclusion by empowering more Filipinos to become active contributors to the nation’s long-term growth. 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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LANDBANK offers easy investing in high-yield retail treasury bonds
State-run LANDBANK is making it easier for Filipinos to grow their savings and contribute to nation-building by offering secure and convenient ways to invest in the Retail Treasury Bonds Tranche 31 (RTB 31) with Bond Exchange of the National Government through the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). Launched on 05 August 2025 with the theme “RTB 31 For Everyone,” this latest peso-denominated RTB offering is a five-year investment that offers a competitive annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum, paid quarterly. The BTr is offering the RTB 31 to help fund key national priorities, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. "Together, let us continue to broaden participation, strengthen trust in government securities, and ensure that every Filipino can become a part of our national growth story," said National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza. During the rate-setting auction ahead of the RTB 31 launch, the BTr attracted an overwhelming P354.2 billion in total tenders — equivalent to 11.8 times the initial offer of P30 billion. Of this amount, P210 billion or 59% was awarded, underscoring sustained strong investor confidence in the National Government. “We are opening more doors for every Filipino to invest — not just in secure, high-yielding instruments like the RTB 31, but in the future of our country. Through LANDBANK’s digital platforms, we are empowering citizens here and abroad to grow their savings with ease, while helping fund critical programs that uplift lives and communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Investing made simple and accessible With a minimum investment of only P5,000, with subsequent investments in multiples of P5,000 thereafter, investors from the country and abroad can conveniently participate in the RTB 31 offering through the mobile banking apps of LANDBANK and the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) — the official digital bank of the Philippine government and a subsidiary of LANDBANK. Investors may also use the BTr Online Ordering Facility and settle the payments via LANDBANK’s Link.BizPortal, free of charge. The public offer period for RTB 31 runs until 15 August, with the issue date on 20 August 2025 and maturity on 20 August 2030. As a Joint Lead Issue Manager, LANDBANK reinforces its commitment to financial inclusion by empowering more Filipinos to become active contributors to the nation’s long-term growth. 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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UP, LANDBANK team up to boost scholarships and digital services
A Future for Inclusive Education. (seated) UP President Angelo A. Jimenez (4th from left) and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin (5th from left) lead the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 01 August 2025 at UP Diliman in Quezon City, formalizing a partnership to support student scholarships, faculty development, and digital financial inclusion across the UP community. Towards advancing inclusive and quality education, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), LANDBANK and the University of the Philippines (UP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide employee-funded scholarships, faculty development grants, and campus-wide digital banking services. Under the MOU, LANDBANK will support the University’s LINGAP-ISKOLAR Program by providing scholarships to select students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), as well as support for professorial chair and faculty grants for UP educators. The initiative is uniquely fully-funded through voluntary donations from the more than 12,000 LANDBANK employees nationwide, aligned with the Bank’s commitment to CSR. “We are proud to walk alongside UP in shaping the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and nation-builders. Whether by funding education or supporting faculty development, LANDBANK is committed to helping expand access to quality education and financial services — especially in underserved communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz in a statement. UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin led the ceremonial signing of the MOU on 01 August 2025 at Quezon Hall, UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City. They were joined by UP Executive Vice President Leo D.P. Cubillan, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ma. Shari Niña G. Oliquino, Office of Admissions Director Francisco N. De Los Reyes, and LANDBANK Senior Vice Presidents Marilou L. Villafranca and Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva as official witnesses to the partnership. CSR and Digital Access Integration The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to empower Filipino students and educators towards progressive, and inclusive national development, aligned with the Bank’s CSR Pillars of S.E.R.V.E.—Sustainability, Environment, Resilience, Volunteerism, and Education. The collaboration includes the rollout of LANDBANK’s Cash-Lite Campus initiative, which promotes cashless transactions across the UP community. The program offers students, faculty, staff, campus vendors, and public transport providers access to digital banking services, including online account opening via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, QR payments, and e-commerce features, ensuring faster, safer, and more convenient daily transactions. Support for Admissions and Employability LANDBANK also assisted in promoting the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) through its branches and online channels, and provided free transportation for examinees in provincial areas during the 2 to 3 August 2025 test days. The Bank will likewise offer internship opportunities and prioritize UP graduates for employment across LANDBANK, its subsidiaries, and foundation. Meanwhile, UP will identify scholarship and grant beneficiaries and help roll out LANDBANK’s financial education and digital banking services through campus-wide engagements. 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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