LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (rightmost) receives the award from ADFIAP Chairman Saud A. Minam (center) and First Vice Chairman Kao Thach (leftmost) for the Bank’s development project on rural electrification under the Infrastructure Development category during the ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 16 May 2024. (Photo credit to ADFIAP)
In recognition of its steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable development, Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has been conferred with two international awards by the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) for its development projects on rural electrification and financial inclusion.
LANDBANK’s BRIGHTNESS Lending Program, which stands for BRinging Inclusive Growth in every Household Through National Electrification Support Services, won in the Infrastructure Development category, while the Bank’s support to ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc.’s (ASA Philippines) credit expansion for underserved women earned a Merit Award in the Financial Inclusion category.
ADFIAP Chairman Saud A. Minam, First Vice Chairman Kao Thach, and Second Vice Chairman Aria Putera Ismail presented the awards to LANDBANK, represented by Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, at the ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards on 16 May 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“LANDBANK is honored to receive these prestigious awards from ADFIAP, which underscore our unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable and inclusive development. This recognition inspires us to continue empowering underserved communities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing quality of life for our valued clients," said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.
Launched in 2013, LANDBANK BRIGHTNESS Lending Program aims to expand energy access in barangays to spur growth and generate more economic activities in the countryside by providing financing assistance to qualified distribution utilities and wholesale power aggregators.
This initiative supports the National Government’s rural electrification efforts under Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law),” which ensures the quality, reliability, security and affordability of electric power supply nationwide.
As of 31 March 2024, total approved loans under the BRIGHTNESS Lending Program have reached P13.7 billion, supporting over 4.8 million households with reliable power supply.
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LANDBANK, represented by Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (center), also receives a merit award under the Financial Inclusion category as presented by ADFIAP Chairman Saud A. Minam (rightmost) and Second Vice Chairman Aria Putera Ismail (leftmost). (Photo credit to ADFIAP)
Meanwhile, LANDBANK’s support enabled ASA Philippines to raise P5.0 billion through a five-year syndicated corporate notes facility. Dubbed “Project Nanay First,” the proceeds from the offer are aimed to reach and empower more women, particularly mothers, from economically disadvantaged sectors through the provision of accessible financing.
ASA Philippines’ five-year corporate notes issuance was classified as the first-ever Gender Bonds issued in the country, as certified by social bond second-party opinion provider DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The partnership promotes broader financial inclusion in alignment with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and advocates for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
ADFIAP serves as the focal point of all development banks and other financial institutions engaged in development financing across the Asia-Pacific region, with the mission to advance sustainable development through its members. The annual ADFIAP Awards recognizes member-institutions that have made important contributions to national development.
ABOUT LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation and sustainable development to benefit Filipinos. The Bank is present in all 82 provinces in the county, committed to providing accessible and affordable financial support to key players and industries as part of its broader thrust of serving the nation.
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LANDBANK shines with dual honors at PDS Awards
LANDBANK bags two awards at the Philippine Dealing System (PDS) Annual Awards Night in recognition of its contributions to advancing the Philippine capital market. (Right photo) Accepting the awards on behalf of LANDBANK are Senior Vice President Gonzalo Benjamin A. Bongolan (2nd from left) and Assistant Vice President Glenn R. Aguda (3rd from left), presented by PDS Group President Ramon S. Monzon (leftmost) and PDEx President and CEO Antonio A. Nakpil (rightmost). MAKATI CITY, Philippines—Highlighting its growing contribution to advancing the Philippine capital market, LANDBANK was honored as one of the top-performing institutions at the 2025 Philippine Dealing System (PDS) Annual Awards Night. The state-run bank clinched 3rd place in the Top 5 Corporate Issue Managers/Arrangers – Bank Category, in recognition of its vital role in facilitating the issuance of corporate fixed-income securities in 2024. The award honors institutions that led or arranged the largest volume of listed corporate securities offered during the year. The Bank also ranked 4th among the Top 5 Fixed-Income Brokering Participants, highlighting the Bank’s strong presence in the fixed-income market and significant contribution to overall trading volume by face amount. LANDBANK Senior Vice President Gonzalo Benjamin A. Bongolan and Assistant Vice President Glenn R. Aguda accepted the awards on behalf of the Bank on 4 April 2025 at the Makati Diamond Residences. Since 2005, the PDS Group, comprising the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, has been recognizing outstanding performance, leadership, innovation, and contributions to the capital market through its annual awards. These accolades underscore LANDBANK's strategic role in deepening the local capital markets, in line with its broader mission of supporting agriculture and other key development sectors in driving inclusive and sustainable 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 extends P1.3-B financing for Isabela Feed Mill Complex
ILAGAN CITY, ISABELA — LANDBANK has sealed a financing deal with Sagittarian Agricultural Philippines, Inc. (SAPI) to support the construction of the Isabela Feed Mill Complex, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the country’s agricultural sector. Under the partnership, LANDBANK will provide a P1.2 billion loan to partially fund the development of the 15-hectare feed mill facility in the country’s corn capital, plus an additional P100 million credit line to support SAPI’s working capital needs. Strategically located in this city to maximize Isabela’s abundant corn supply, the Feed Mill Complex will be leased to Charoen Pokphand Philippines Corporation (CPFPC), a leading food and agro-industrial company and a long-standing LANDBANK client. The project is expected to increase corn prices from P1.00 to P2.00 per kilogram, benefiting an estimated 97,734 small farmers across Isabela and neighboring provinces. “With this investment, LANDBANK reaffirms its commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, empowering local farmers, and strengthening the country’s food security and support the agriculture value chain,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The loan and credit line signing ceremony was led by LANDBANK Northern Luzon Lending Group Head First Vice President Eduardo N. Reyes Jr. and Northern Isabela Lending Center Head Myra Myrtha M. Padolina, alongside SAPI President and CEO Jose Avelino C. Diaz and Corporate Secretary Atty. Danver Albert R. Arzaga. Also present as witnesses were City of Ilagan Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, Vice Mayor Kyrill S. Bello, CPFPC Vice President Suchart Panparn, Assistant Vice President Darwin Lictawa, and LANDBANK Account Officer Honeylee B. Gomez. 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 sees surge in digital banking usage in 2024
The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) powered the Bank’s digital surge in 2024, logging 106.82 million transactions or almost double the previous year’s total of 55.2 million. LANDBANK recorded a significant increase in digital banking transactions in 2024, driven by the growing shift of customers to online banking services and the Bank’s sustained investments in enhancing its digital platforms. The Bank facilitated a total of 162.28 million digital transactions, marking a 67% expansion from 97.08 million in 2023, with a total value of ₱3.38 trillion, up 38% from ₱2.45 trillion. “Digital banking is not just about convenience—it’s about inclusion. Through our digital banking channels, we are empowering every Filipino to take control of their finances. Our goal is to make safe, reliable, and convenient banking accessible to all, especially our farmers and fishers, business owners, OFWs, and government agencies,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) led the growth in the Bank’s total transaction volume, with a record 106.82 million transactions in 2024—nearly double the 55.2 million transactions recorded in the prior year. Through the MBA, users can perform a wide range of banking services, including fund transfers, bill payments, and investing in government securities. Among the App’s major enhancements last year was the straight-through account opening feature, which allows customers to open a digital account online via smartphones without visiting a branch. In terms of transaction value, the Bank’s corporate Internet banking platform, weAccess, recorded the highest volume at ₱1.36 trillion. This marks a 43% year-on-year growth from ₱952.14 billion in 2023. LANDBANK’s other major digital channels include iAccess, an online retail banking channel; Link.BizPortal, a web-based payment channel; Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS), a facility for institutional clients and national government partners; and LANDBANK Bulk Crediting System (LBCS), an electronic bulk disbursement facility. The LANDBANK MBA was named the “Most Innovative Banking Application” at the 12th Annual International Finance Awards 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Bank was likewise recently recognized as the “Best e-Banking Services Provider” and “Most Reliable Mobile Banking App Provider” at the World Business Outlook Awards 2025 by Singapore-based business magazine, World Business Outlook. Bringing banking closer to more Filipinos As part of its broader digital transformation agenda, LANDBANK continues to innovate how it brings banking services closer to more Filipinos—especially those in underserved and remote areas. LANDBANK began rolling out “phygital” branches in December 2024 that combine physical and digital services for a more streamlined, seamless, and delightful customer experience. These branches showcase a refreshed look, equipped with self-service machines, new queuing and tellering systems, meeting pods, and interactive zones. To further extend its reach, the Bank is ramping up its LANDBANKasama Program, which brings basic banking services to far-flung and underserved areas. By partnering with local cooperatives, associations, rural banks, LGUs, MSMEs, and private entities, the Bank empowers these community-based partners to serve as LANDBANKasama partners, providing services such as cash withdrawal, deposit, fund transfers, bills payment, and balance inquiry. LANDBANK is also pioneering cash-lite ecosystems in key areas, starting with the Province of Batanes. By promoting the use of digital payments and equipping local merchants, residents, students and LGUs with digital financial tools and skills, the initiative promotes the use of cashless transactions as a safer, faster, and more convenient way to manage daily financial needs—ultimately reducing reliance on physical cash and fostering a digitally inclusive local economy. With its digital strategy in full swing, LANDBANK remains committed to accelerating digital transformation and delivering enhanced customer experience across the country—anchored on its mandate to serve the agriculture sector, empower small farmers and fishers, and drive inclusive and sustainable national development for all Filipinos. 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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