LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (3rd from left) and DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena (2nd from left) sign the partnership for the enhanced I-TECH Lending Program, designed to provide accessible financing to Filipino inventors and technology developers. Witnessing the signing ceremony on 15 July 2025 at Okada Manila are LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (rightmost) and DOST- TAPI Investment and Business Operations Division Manager Romeo M. Javate (leftmost).
In a joint push to advance innovation and inclusive technological development, LANDBANK and the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) have formalized a renewed partnership to provide greater support for Filipino inventors and technology developers.
Central to the collaboration is the Innovation and Technology (I-TECH) Lending Program, designed to provide affordable and accessible financing to help inventors commercialize their patented technologies and bring them to market.
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) signing on 15 July 2025 at Okada Manila. LANDBANK EVP Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and DOST-TAPI Investment & Business Operation Division Manager Romeo M. Javate witnessed the signing.
“At LANDBANK, we firmly believe that technology is a key driver of inclusive growth that opens doors to a better, more sustainable future for all. We believe in the potential of every Filipino innovator, and we are here to back that potential every step of the way,” said LANDBANK PCEO Ortiz.
Under the enhanced I-TECH Lending Program, LANDBANK serves as the primary lending conduit, while DOST-TAPI administers the Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF) to fund the program.
Empowering innovators with accessible financing
The I-TECH Lending Program introduces several enhancements to better serve target beneficiaries, broadening its reach and maximizing impact.
To encourage wider participation, the previous loan ceiling of P12.5 million has been removed, allowing eligible borrowers to access up to 85% of the total project cost, and up to 80% for land acquisition.
Loan interest charges have likewise been waived through funding sourced from the IGF, enabling the Program to operate as an off-book facility for LANDBANK, and lowering the financial burden on borrowers.
These enhancements are in line with Republic Act No. 7459, or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines, which aims to empower local innovators through financial and non-financial assistance.
As of 30 June 2025, a total of P32.25 million in loans has been released under the I- TECH Lending Program.
Through this enhanced partnership, LANDBANK and DOST-TAPI reaffirm their commitment to empowering Filipino innovators, transforming homegrown ideas into sustainable, high-impact enterprises, and helping build a robust technology-driven economy.
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.
Advancing digital financial inclusion: LANDBANK and Palawan State University launch Cash-Lite Campus initiative
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – LANDBANK and Palawan State University (PSU) have partnered to launch the Cash-Lite Campus initiative, advancing digital financial literacy and empowering students with secure, efficient banking solutions. Launched on 9 October 2025 at the PSU Performing Arts Center, the initiative aims to reduce cash dependency and streamline transactions for University’s students, faculty, and staff through mobile and e-banking services. “LANDBANK is here to help students build digital confidence in managing their finances — safely, smartly, and efficiently. Whether paying school fees, buying meals, or splitting costs with friends, our digital solutions make everyday transactions simpler and more secure,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, who led the event, together with PSU President Dr. Ramon M. Docto and other officials. The Cash-Lite Campus initiative introduces the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) and other e-payment channels, equipping students with essential digital financial skills. A key feature is the LANDBANK Piso Plus account, which can be opened via the LANDBANK MBA, with no initial deposit or maintaining balance. Pre-launch activities on 8 October engaged students in interactive missions to promote account opening and digital engagement. The launch also featured a financial literacy session and live demonstrations of cashless transactions using the LANDBANK MBA, highlighting the convenience and security of digital banking. The initiative is expected to result in over 12,000 new account openings and a significant boost in digital transactions at PSU, supporting LANDBANK’s mission to advance financial inclusion in the education sector. Following PSU, LANDBANK plans to expand the Cash-Lite Campus initiative nationwide, fostering digital adoption and financial empowerment among the youth. Through partnerships like this, LANDBANK continues to champion financial inclusion and digital innovation, ensuring students and educators are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
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LANDBANK empowers small businesses with accessible financing, support services
As part of its steadfast efforts to drive economic activities and promote inclusive growth, LANDBANK has rolled-out a new lending program to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their partner financial institutions with accessible financing and capacity-building support. Under the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program — which stands for LANDBANK’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth thru Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises — eligible borrowers may use loan proceeds for working capital, business expansion, equipment purchase or upgrade, renovation, digitalization, franchising, export and trade finance, and green or sustainable projects. “MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy, making up 99.6% of total business establishments and employing 65% of the total workforce. Every loan extended to an MSME creates a ripple effect — sustaining jobs, uplifting families, and strengthening communities. Through the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program, LANDBANK is fueling this multiplier effect to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth across the nation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Loan packages for every growth stage To support businesses at every stage of their journey, the program offers three (3) loan packages. The Start-Up Loan, ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱500,000, is designed for start-ups and microenterprises with less than one (1) year of operation. It comes with free financial literacy training, minimal collateral requirements, and low welcome interest rates. For micro and small enterprises with at least one (1) year in operation, the Step-Up Loan provides between ₱500,000 and ₱5 million in financing, with added benefits such as free training, interest rate reductions, provision of Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, and eligibility to transition to higher financing. Meanwhile, the Level-Up Loan, offering up to ₱50 million, is available to small and medium enterprises with more than three (3) years of operations. This package provides strategic funding to scale businesses further, coupled with lower interest rates and access to a LANDBANK corporate credit card. Under the Program, LANDBANK also extends a rediscounting line to credit cooperatives, rural banks, and microfinance institutions (MFIs) that provide loan services to MSMEs to boost their lending capacity, covering up to 85% of outstanding receivables. How to apply Interested borrowers may apply for the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program through the LANDBANK Business Loan Application (BLA) Portal, an online platform where loan applicants can directly submit their applications without the need for manual intervention. The Portal allows applicants to complete application forms, upload required documents, and track the status of their application. It is accessible 24/7 through the LANDBANK website at https://www.landbank.com. For more information, interested borrowers may visit any LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch, or contact LANDBANK’s Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8405-7000. 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 resumes operations in Cebu and Masbate; bolsters recovery support
LANDBANK has fully restored regular banking operations in Cebu and Masbate following the recent earthquake and Typhoon Opong, reaffirming its commitment to uninterrupted financial access for affected communities. All LANDBANK branches in both provinces are now operational, with the exception of the Aroroy, Masbate branch-lite unit, which remains temporarily closed due to a power outage. Clients are advised to use nearby branches, ATMs, or the Bank’s digital platforms for their immediate banking needs. Despite the calamities’ impact on its operations and personnel, LANDBANK continues to expand support to affected communities, mobilizing ₱4.9 million in monetary aid to affected areas. This includes ₱2 million for Cebu Province, ₱1.5 million for Bogo City, and ₱500,000 for Masbate Province, ₱200,000 for Masbate City, and ₱100,000 each for the municipalities of Uson, Dimasalang, Cawayan, Cataingan, Mandaon, Milagros and Palanas. On October 2, LANDBANK employees distributed 2,000 food relief packs to evacuees in Daanbantayan, Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio, Cebu. The relief operations were made possible through the voluntary efforts and cash contributions of LANDBANK employees, reflecting the Bank’s collective spirit of compassion and solidarity with affected communities. The Bank is also partnering with humanitarian group Waves for Water (W4) to deploy portable water filtration systems in the hardest-hit areas. “LANDBANK stands ready to deliver both immediate and sustained financial lifelines to our fellow Filipinos in Cebu and Masbate. Our emergency support programs ensure that all affected sectors — from farmers and fishers to MSMEs and wage earners — have the resources to recover and bounce back stronger,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Beyond immediate relief, LANDBANK is rolling out financial programs to support long-term recovery. These include: • CARES Plus Lending Program: Financing for MSMEs, cooperatives, and utilities for working capital, repairs, and disaster recovery. • Electronic Salary Loan (eSL): Quick access to credit for LANDBANK payroll account holders via digital platforms. • EasyCash for Emergencies: Emergency cash conversion for LANDBANK credit cardholders with flexible repayment terms. • Pension and Emergency Relief (PeER) Loan: Credit assistance for pensioners with LANDBANK Pension Accounts and government employees with LANDBANK Payroll Accounts, offering loan amounts ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱300,000. • Emergency Loans: Immediate financial assistance for government employees with LANDBANK Payroll Accounts and pensioners with LANDBANK Pension Accounts, up to P25,000. Borrowers with existing Salary or PeER Loans in good standing are also eligible. Clients may access LANDBANK services through open branches, over 2,900 ATMs nationwide, or online via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) and Link.BizPortal. For more information on the Bank’s emergency support programs, visit the nearest LANDBANK branch or contact the Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8405-7000.
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