Water reservoirs in Can-avid, Eastern Samar. LANDBANK and the local government of Can-avid signed a P220-million loan agreement to finance the construction and upgrading of water system facilities in the municipality.
CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar – Towards inclusive countryside development, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the municipal government of Can-avid in Eastern Samar recently signed a P220-million loan agreement to deliver better water service and minimize health hazards in the municipality.
Can-avid Mayor Gil Norman Germino and LANDBANK Samar Lending Center Head Restituta Ilagan led the loan signing held last July 29, 2020, for the construction and upgrading of Can-avid’s water system facilities. Also present were Can-avid Municipal Accountant Celestino Cabanero, LANDBANK Borongan Branch Head Christopher Marco, and LANDBANK Samar Lending Center Account Officer Teofrido Lagria.
According to the municipal government, the project will deliver efficient, uninterrupted, and less expensive supply of potable water to more residents in the area, while reducing the incidence of water-borne diseases caused by unsanitary water sources by as much as 80%.
Can-avid’s water system will be upgraded from level II to level III to serve an additional six (6) upstream barangays previously dependent on individual deep well systems. The enhanced water system will soon benefit a total of 16 barangays covering 2,360 domestic households, 127 institutional establishments, and 190 commercial entities. The project design also has a provision for future servicing of four additional barangays along the national highway.
“LANDBANK has always been a responsive and reliable partner servicing the needs of our municipality. The approval of our new loan will certainly boost the morale of local leaders as it manifests the Bank’s confidence in their leadership and serves as an affirmation of the meaningful programs that we undertake,” said Can-avid Mayor Germino.
LANDBANK and the municipal government of Can-Avid have been development partners since 1992, when LANDBANK first became the depository bank of the LGU. The Bank also granted the Can-avid LGU a P14.92-million term loan in 2007 for farm-to-market roads, which opened access to remote barangays and farm areas, easing the transportation of agricultural products to the market. In May 2017, a LANDBANK Easy Access Facility (LEAF) was also opened in Can-avid located at the Municipal Building ground floor.
Supporting local development
LANDBANK’s financial services support local programs and projects geared towards accelerating local growth, which includes the construction of necessary infrastructure and improved delivery of basic services.
In 2019 alone, LANDBANK financed more than 152,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, the construction and renovation of 12 hospital buildings, 33 school buildings, and 354 classrooms, and assisted 37,125 new households get connected with potable water nationwide.
Aside from its regular loans, LANDBANK also helps LGUs of rice-producing provinces through the PALAY ng Lalawigan (PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan) Program to procure palay produced by their local farmers, as well as farm machineries and post-harvest facilities.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, LANDBANK has also allocated P10 billion under the HEAL (Help via Emergency Loan Assistance for LGUs) Program as emergency funding for provincial, city, and municipal governments for the procurement of goods and services to support their respective communities.
Last July 29, LANDBANK launched another P10 billion loan program for provincial, city and municipal LGUs called the RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program to finance the recovery and development of their local economies and communities hit hardest by the health pandemic.
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.
For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
LANDBANK advances sustainable, inclusive agri growth at Terra Madre 2025
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (left photo) engages local enterprises and food sustainability advocates while highlighting the Bank’s P2M QR payment facility and AGRISENSO Plus program during Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 event from November 19 to 23, 2025 in Bacolod City. LANDBANK reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient food system across the country by showcasing its integrated financing programs, capacity-building initiatives, and digital solutions through its support of the inaugural Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025, held from November 19 to 23, 2025 in Bacolod City. Terra Madre Asia & Pacific, part of the global Slow Food Movement, brought together over 2,000 farmers, fishers, international chefs, indigenous leaders, and advocates from across the region to promote “good, clean, and fair” food, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems. “LANDBANK and Slow Food aligns with sustainable and inclusive agriculture. Through this partnership, we aim to further strengthen local food systems, empower our farmers and fishers, and help ensure that every Filipino has access to nutritious, clean, and fairly produced food,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The Slow Food movement, founded in Italy in 1989, is dedicated to protecting local food cultures, traditional farming practices, and biodiversity. It champions food that is good in quality and taste, clean in its respect for the environment, and fair in terms of pricing and conditions for producers. Today, Slow Food is a global network present in more than 160 countries, working with diverse communities to promote sustainable, community-centered food systems. Reena Gamboa, Slow Food advocate and Executive Director of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific, emphasizes her commitment to good, clean, and fair food for all—advocating for active support for farmers and safeguarding our environment to ensure everyone has access to proper, sustainable food. “Good, clean, and fair food for all is a universal right. To achieve this, we must protect our biodiversity and environment, as this principle is inseparable from supporting our farmers and ensuring everyone has access to proper, quality food,” said Reena Gamboa, Terra Madre Executive Director. Building on these principles, LANDBANK’s agricultural programs aim to strengthen connections across the value chain. The Bank’s financial and digital services complement community-led efforts by providing stakeholders—from producers to processors to markets—with the tools and support that they need to thrive. LANDBANK’s participation as a key sponsor of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 further reflects its support for Slow Food initiatives, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient, community-driven value chains. Integrated support for farmers and fishers On November 20, LANDBANK First Vice President Allan R. Bisnar introduced AGRISENSO Plus, the Bank’s flagship lending program which delivers comprehensive value-chain support by integrating credit, technical assistance, and digital solutions, along with free life and credit life insurance. The program is designed to empower small farmers and fishers, offering customized financing, market linkages, and data-driven insights to boost productivity and efficiency. AGRISENSO Plus features a reduced fixed interest rate of 3% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), with competitive rates for associations, cooperatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates. “AGRISENSO Plus reflects our commitment to strengthening the entire agricultural value chain. By combining accessible financing, capacity-building, and digital solutions, we are enabling our farmers and food producers to thrive in a rapidly changing environment and ensuring that local food systems remain resilient and sustainable,” LANDBANK PCEO Ortiz emphasized. Complementing the Program is the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development), a capacity-building initiative that provides training in digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. As of September 2025, LANDBANK has released over ₱1.96 billion in loans under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, supporting more than 12,300 borrowers nationwide, most of whom are small farmers and fishers, following successful rollouts in key agricultural hubs across Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Bukidnon, Iloilo, Palawan, and Negros Occidental. Driving inclusion and digital adoption LANDBANK also showcased its digital innovations, particularly the P2M (Person-to-Merchant) QR payment facility recently launched in Negros Occidental. This interoperable solution allows consumers to enjoy waived transfer fees for purchases of ₱500 and below using QRPh-P2M via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, other banking apps, or digital wallets. LANDBANK P2M merchants, on the other hand, benefit from waived transaction fees, which encourages the adoption of digital payments. This provides farmers, MSMEs, and local enterprises with a faster, more secure, and more convenient way to receive payments—reducing cash-handling risks and expanding digital inclusion in agricultural communities. Business owners can simply enroll their existing LANDBANK accounts, with activation completed within 24 to 48 hours. 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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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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