(Left) Farmers receive free farm inputs through the assistance of the Progressive Women Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PWARC) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). (Right) PWARC was officially established in 1999, with the co-op’s headquarters located in the Municipality of Dumarao, Capiz.
DUMARAO, Capiz – The Progressive Women Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PWARC) has grown from a small organization in this remote Capiz town, into a successful and thriving cooperative that provides financial access to support its farmer-members.
In 1998, PWARC was initially formed by 20 female founding-members from Barangay Gibato in this 2nd class municipality. It began as a modest savings group, offering financial services to the town’s residents with only P3,200.00 as starting capital.
Soon after, the cooperative started to accept Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and male farmers as members and was officially registered as a cooperative in 1999.
With PWARC’s membership steadily growing over the years, the co-op turned to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) in 2015 and applied for a total P20-million loan line to finance the launch of their relending services to farmer-members in need of additional cash for agricultural production.
Of this amount, the co-op utilized P16.65 million as a rediscounting line to finance salary, emergency, and negosyo loans for members, which now include small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Through LANDBANK, we are able to extend financial assistance to our members at affordable interest rates. This helps our members earn more since they don’t have to turn to private lenders who can charge an interest rate of up to 20%,” said PWARC Chairwoman Cecilia G. Ibabao.
In addition to financing, PWARC also serves as a guaranteed market for some of its members’ produce. The harvest of calamansi farmer-members are purchased by the co-op for its calamansi juice product line, under the brand name “Golden”.
The co-op credits LANDBANK’s assistance to be instrumental in helping it grow to more than 3,500 members today—of whom around 80% are farmers.
“LANDBANK continues to finance the requirements of agricultural cooperatives to help increase the production and income of their members. Amid the prevailing challenges of the pandemic, access to agri credit is key to sustain the operations of our partner-cooperatives and ensure food security in the country,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
Of the P20 million LANDBANK loan, PWARC allotted P3.35 million to offer relending services for their ARB-members’ palay and corn production under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), a joint program implemented by LANDBANK, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Through the APCP, PWARC ARB-members can avail of production loans with an interest rate of as low as 2% per annum.
"Malaki ang naitulong sa akin at sa aking pamilya ng loan ko mula sa PWARC. Nagamit ko ito para sa aking pag-aalaga ng baboy, pambili ng seeds at pataba para sa aking mga pananim na gulay, at pati na rin sa pag-aaral ng aking mga anak,” said Norberto Pindo, a farmer-member of PWARC.
LANDBANK remains steadfast in fulfilling its commitment of delivering intensified support to the agriculture sector. As of December 31, 2021, LANDBANK loans to the agri sector has reached P247.85 billion, recording a monthly increase of P12.78 billion from the P235.07 billion level last November 2021.
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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TANYAG and Proud: LANDBANK at 62 honors champions of nation-building
To mark 62 years of meaningful public service, LANDBANK recently honored its outstanding clients and partners who have been instrumental in delivering essential financial and support services nationwide. The inaugural LANDBANK Gawad TANYAG (Tanging Yaman at Galing) Awards held on 8 August 2025 celebrated the Bank’s clients who have made an impact in communities and models of operational excellence, which include individual farmers and fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations and large enterprises, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), and microfinance institutions (MFIs). “Sa bawat kwento ninyo, nakikita ko ang hinaharap na hinahangad nating lahat: isang Pilipinas na mas mayaman sa oportunidad, masagana sa pag-asa — kaya’t maraming salamat po sa pagpapatunay na ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang monopolya ng iilan, na ang pag-asenso ay puwedeng makamit ng bawat mamamayan,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in a statement. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the awarding ceremony to honor exemplary clients who embody the Bank’s core values of partnership, loyalty, and excellence. She was joined by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, alongside key development partners. “Through Gawad TANYAG, we honor the invaluable contributions of our clients who help move our nation forward. This is our way of celebrating partnerships that go beyond banking — partnerships rooted in trust, shared purpose, and the pursuit of meaningful change,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Under the Gawad PITAK (Pinakatanging Kooperatiba) category, the Hagonoy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Panabingan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Nueva Ecija Seed Grower Multi-Purpose Cooperative were recognized as outstanding agri-based cooperatives in the small, medium, and large categories, respectively. The ASKI Employees Credit Cooperative and Providers Multi-Purpose Cooperative were also honored under the non-agricultural cooperative category. Individual excellence was highlighted through the Ulirang Magsasaka award conferred to Alfonso Namujhe Jr. of Nueva Vizcaya, and the Ulirang Mangingisda award bestowed to Agrifina A. Gabres of Aurora. “Napakalaking tulong ng LANDBANK. Noong mag-umpisa kami, walang bangko na gustong tumulong sa amin. LANDBANK lang ang naniwala. My dad started the spark, and LANDBANK fueled it. The citrus industry of Nueva Vizcaya owes it to LANDBANK,” said Josephine Namujhe, who received the award on behalf of her father. The Gawad MSME was awarded to Jose Fernand Latog and Jollypig Farms, Inc. for the small and medium agri-based enterprises, respectively. Meanwhile, Spouses Patrick Mary and Rodary Therese Guanzon, and Spouses Mary Jeanette and Michael Anthony Bercadez were recognized under the small and medium non-agri enterprise categories, respectively. The Gawad KAAGAPAY (Korporasyon na KAagapay sa Ating GAnap na TagumPAY) was conferred to Soliman E.C. Septic Tank Disposal, Fiesta Communities, Inc., and Cebu Landmasters, Inc. for their significant contributions as corporations and large enterprises in stimulating local economic growth. “With the support of LANDBANK, we are very grateful that we have a partner in providing homes for our kababayans and empowering the Filipino people,” said Willie Tan, Founder and President of Fiesta Communities, Inc. Rural Bank of Angeles, Producers Savings Bank Corporation, First Isabela Cooperative Bank, and ASA Philippines Foundations, Inc. were recognized with the Gawad PFI (Partner Financial Institution) for their exceptional performance under the rural bank, thrift bank, and microfinance categories, respectively. The complete list of Gawad TANYAG awardees can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/356a3ezb LANDBANK is celebrating its 62nd anniversary 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.
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