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(left photo) The LANDBANK-financed Baculud Overflow Bridge in Ilagan City, Isabela, allows for easier and safer transportation for residents and vehicles from the City’s northeastern barangays to its Centro Poblacion Barangay Cluster. (right photo) From having a small infirmary solely catering to the medical needs of Ilagueños, the Ilagan LGU also tapped LANDBANK to fund the construction of the City of Ilagan Medical Center (CIMC) building to widen healthcare access in the City.
ILAGAN, Isabela – From being one of the poorest municipalities in Isabela over a decade ago, this first-class City now boasts of a vibrant and fast-growing economy driven by major infrastructure projects financed by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).
Under the leadership of City Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, the local government unit (LGU) of Ilagan and LANDBANK maintain a strong partnership geared towards the development of the City, with a total loan exposure amounting to P3.5 billion.
“Talagang malaki ang naitulong ng LANDBANK sa amin. Halos lahat ng improvement sa Ilagan City ay dahil sa aming pakikipagtulungan sa LANDBANK,” said Mayor Diaz.
In support of Ilagan’s development plan, LANDBANK financed the construction of four essential bridges in the City, including the Baculud Overflow Bridge in Brgy. Baculud and the Cabisera 8 Overflow Bridge in Brgy. Santa Maria.
These two overflow bridges significantly increased the mobility of Ilagueños, who previously used boats and bamboo rafts to travel across rivers to reach other parts of the City. The bridges also improved the access of residents from remote barangays to basic and support services, such as to their local hospital and public market.
LANDBANK likewise financed the concreting of road networks in Ilagan City to enhance the connectivity between its 91 barangays, which is already 90% completed as of end-January 2023.
Built with street lamps and concrete drainage, the concrete road network has made transportation safer and more efficient even in remote areas, especially for farmers who previously struggled to transport their agricultural produce to the market.
Facilities for healthcare, recreation, and public services LANDBANK also supports the LGU’s priority projects to provide better healthcare and public services.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the LANDBANK-financed City of Ilagan Medical Center (CIMC) was opened to initially serve as an isolation facility for COVID patients. From having a small infirmary, the enhanced 100-bed CIMC now provides advanced medical services, such as endoscopy, radiology, and hemodialysis.
The hospital has already received three International Standardization Organization (ISO) Certifications for Quality Management System, Environment Management System and Occupational Health and Management System.
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In 2007, LANDBANK approved a P65-million loan to fund the construction of Ilagan’s Municipal Hall – now a City Hall – in Brgy. San Vicente.
For the safety and convenience of its constituents and local government employees, LANDBANK likewise financed the construction of the then Ilagan Municipal Hall (now a City Hall) and multi-purpose barangay halls in the City.
Other projects of the LGU backed by the Bank include a sanitary landfill for sustainable waste disposal; a new public market that serves as a central hub for vendors; and daycare centers for children.
The Ilagan LGU also partnered with the Bank to finance the construction of recreational facilities in the City, including the new Ilagan Sports Complex, a local mall and hotel, as well as a multi-purpose commercial building, all of which generate significant revenue for the LGU.
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The modern Ilagan Sports Complex funded by LANDBANK hosts national tournaments for various sports and houses a track and field oval certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
P900 million of the LGU’s total loan will finance lot acquisition in the barangays of Alibagu, Marana 1st and Lullutan for various development projects, including the construction of 94 housing units in Alibagu. The loan will also be utilized for the expansion of the Ilagan City Hotel and Convention Center, as well as the establishment of CIMC’s Contagious Disease Building.
This will also fund the construction of a public market building in Brgy. Hacienda San Antonio and a bagsakan center with cold storage for agricultural products in Brgy. Marana 1st.
“Simula nung kami ay isang municipality pa lamang, nagtiwala na ang LANDBANK sa amin. Kasama namin ang LANDBANK na lumaki at lumago, at ngayon, we can already provide complete and quality services for the welfare of our people. Kaya malaki ang aming pasasalamat sa LANDBANK,” Mayor Diaz added.
With the help of LANDBANK, the LGU’s assets grew from P700 million in 2007 to P7 billion in 2022.
LANDBANK remains the biggest development partner of LGUs, in fulfilment of the Bank’s mandate to spur countryside development in stride with nation-building.
As of end-2022, the Bank’s outstanding loans to LGUs nationwide have reached P91.5 billion in support of local development projects, which include agri-related infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and utilities.
Harvest of Dreams: Citrus pioneer turns Malabing Valley into land of opportunities
In Nueva Vizcaya, talk about citrus and one name always comes to mind. Known as the province’s Father of Citrus for pioneering the local citrus industry, farmer Alfonso Namuje, Jr. has long been recognized as a local hero, whose vision and determination turned Malabing Valley into a thriving citrus hub. “Nung bata pa ako, mahilig na ako magtanim ng mga halaman. Baka yun ang ibinigay ng Diyos sakin,” Mr. Namujhe recalls. From a young age, he was drawn to plants, a passion that led him to study agriculture in college. But life led him to a different direction. He found himself working at a pig farm in Laguna, where he eventually became a manager. It was only after seeing how the fruits he planted in his backyard were celebrated by the community that he realized his true calling. “Yung mga prutas na tinanim ko, pinag-piyestahan ng mga tao. Naisip ko na ito pala ang magpapayaman sa lugar,” he says. This inspired him to return to Malabing Valley and dedicate himself fully to uplifting his hometown through citrus farming. Before Mr. Namujhe introduced citrus, the valley’s main crops were corn and coffee. However, years of armed conflict had turned the area into a settlement for former rebel forces making financial institutions wary of investing. Still, he believed that providing livelihoods could be a powerful tool for change. “If there’s a marketable farm product in the area, the government will take notice. Roads, electricity, infrastructure — they will follow,” he says. Guided by this vision, he introduced citrus to the valley. He then left his well-paying job and moved back to Malabing Valley with his family. Together, they began building the foundation for what would become a thriving citrus hub. He established the Namujhe Integrated Farm, and shared knowledge with fellow farmers through the Malabing Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MVMPC), which he helped organize. As interest in citrus grew, more farmers sought guidance. Through the MVMPC, farmers gained access to techniques, financial support, and farm inputs, while his own farm became a living classroom and an agri-tourism site. A critical part of this transformation was LANDBANK which believed in Mr. Namujhe’s vision when others refused to. The Bank provided the financial support needed for farmers to invest in inputs and expand operations. Citrus farming soon became a viable industry, improving livelihoods and attracting government attention — roads were built, connecting communities and markets, and what once took a five-day carabao ride to reach Solano could now be traversed in hours. Through years of research and experimentation, Mr. Namujhe refined orchard management, introduced new cultivars, and shared his knowledge with students, co-farmers, and visitors. Malabing Valley became the heart of citrus production in Cagayan Valley, with Kasibu officially recognized as the Citrus Capital of Luzon. “Nagpapasalamat talaga ang mga tao. They accept na ako talaga ang dahilan na nag-improve ang kanilang buhay. Sa akin, that’s my achievement. I can be proud of it,” he shared, reflecting on the gratitude of local farmers. “Si Dad, ibang level talaga. One man’s dream, naging isang community. Isang tao lang ang gumawa nito, and pulled everybody up,” says his daughter Josephine, who was inspired to follow his father’s footsteps. “Yung mga politician sinasabi nila, 'Alam mo, kami makakalimutan, pero ikaw – yung binigay mo na legacy dito, I don’t think makakalimutan ka,’” Josephine proudly added, highlighting how his father’s contributions have left a lasting imprint on the community. Mr. Namujhe’s efforts provided not just a new crop, but a new foundation for success, empowering countless farmers by granting them access to innovative citrus production techniques, financial support, and necessary farm supplies. Through his work, many young people were able to pursue their education, and several families successfully built quality homes and acquired properties in the lowlands. His leadership and advocacy significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, effectively improving the livelihood of the entire community. His pioneering work has earned him national recognition. Most recently, LANDBANK’s Gawad TANYAG Awards honored him as Ulirang Magsasaka, acknowledging the impact of his leadership, innovation, and community transformation. “LANDBANK is doing their work, kaya I'm loyal to them. Maraming pumupunta sa akin na iba. Pero hanggang nandiyan pa ang LANDBANK, kasama ko yan,” he added. Through his vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to his community, Mr. Namujhe turned a once-overlooked valley into a thriving citrus hub — leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
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Strengthening Palawan’s agri value chain: LANDBANK expands financing support for farmers, agri stakeholders
BROOKE’S POINT, Palawan – LANDBANK continues to strengthen its support for farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain with the regional rollout of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in this province, bringing low-interest financing and capacity-building support closer to more agricultural communities nationwide. Over 1,400 farmers from the municipalities of Aborlan, Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, and Sofronio Española gathered for the event, reflecting the strong interest of Palawan’s agri communities for accessible and affordable credit assistance. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director Mynard Bryan R. Mojica led the launch on 10 October 2025 at Brooke’s Point Event Center. They were joined by Brooke’s Point Mayor Cesareo R. Benedito Jr., Narra Mayor Gerandy B. Danao, and national and local partners from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). “With the continued rollout of the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program nationwide, we are deepening our commitment to empower farmers and other agri stakeholders, including those in far-flung provinces like Palawan. We aim to provide them with the financing, tools, and partnerships needed to strengthen agricultural productivity and build resilient livelihoods,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Inclusive and holistic agri financing Developed in partnership with the DA, DAR, ACPC, NIA and other private sector partners, the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK’s enhanced value chain-based financing initiative to provide holistic support to agricultural players. The Program offers a fixed interest rate of 4.0% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and ARBs, with competitive rates for their associations and organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates. Borrowers benefit from simplified documentary requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to technical and market support to help boost productivity and profitability. The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is complemented by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) initiative, a capacity-building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. As of August 2025, LANDBANK has released ₱1.78 billion in loans under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, supporting over 12,000 borrowers nationwide. The Palawan rollout follows successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Bukidnon, and Iloilo, with the next rollout scheduled in Negros Occidental later this month. Strengthening partnerships for growth The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program also connects farmers and fishers to market opportunities through partnerships with anchor firms, such as Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC). Santeh Feeds Corporation recently joined the roster of the Program anchor firms following the signing of a memorandum of agreement with LANDBANK on 07 October 2025 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. The partnership will broaden the Program’s reach to aqua farmers nationwide who use Santeh Feeds’ products and services. It aims to boost productivity and strengthen the economic resilience of aqua farmers, while advancing sustainable aquaculture practices across the country. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mission to advance countryside development and ensure food security by scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agriculture sector — empowering rural communities and cultivating growth from countryside to countrywide. 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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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. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (2nd from left) and Senior Vice President Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva (rightmost), together with Waves for Water Philippines Operations Director Francelline Jimenez (leftmost), turn over 16 filtration systems, 16 handwashing stations, and 32 jerry cans to Palawan State University (PSU) President Ramon M. Docto (2nd from right) as part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The facilities will help address the lack of potable water and handwashing areas in the University for the benefit of students and teachers. 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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