The Land Bank of the Philippines is taking steps to make its direct lending programs more accessible and affordable for small farmers and fishers (SFFs), in line with its aggressive drive to intensify support to the sector.
“We understand that applying for loans can be intimidating, especially for small farmers and fishers, so we have started making basic improvements in our processes to make it easier for them to avail of loans,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
Among the basic enhancements which the Bank made is the simplification of the loan application form, which has been condensed into one document – from what used to be three separate documents (i.e. Application Form, Sworn Statement/Attestation, and Data Privacy Consent). Completing the form is also now more straightforward with mostly tick boxes, to make it easier for farmers and fishers. The promissory note which used to be a 14-page document has also been simplified and shortened to one page.
Basic documentary requirements have likewise been trimmed down. SFF borrowers of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, for instance, will only need to submit a loan application form, a simple farm plan, and barangay clearance.
More affordable
The Bank also made its programs more affordable by standardizing the interest rates at 5% per annum for most direct lending programs for SFFs. These include the Accessible Funds for Delivery to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (AFFORD-ARBs) Program, which provides loans to finance production of rice, corn, and high-value crops, as well as the acquisition of small farm implements.
Retail lending programs for SFFs that the Bank administers for the Department of Agriculture also now have interest rates fixed at 2% p.a. These include the ACEF Lending Program and the Socialized Credit Program under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SCP-SIDA) funded by the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
Also available at an interest rate of 2% p.a. is the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF). Under the Program, LANDBANK will lend up to P500 million annually for the next six years to rice farmers registered in the Registry System on Basic Sectors in Agriculture or RSBSA, and to DA-accredited cooperatives. For on-lending by cooperatives under ERCA-RCEF, interest rate is at 0% p.a., as long as effective pass-on rate to end borrowers is not higher than 6% p.a.
Faster
Processing of loan applications is also quicker – with average turn-around time of just one day as against the maximum 10-days commitment to the Governance Commission for GOCCs. This is provided that the borrower submitted complete documents and credit/background investigation is favourable.
“This is just the beginning as we are actively looking for ways to further improve the loan application process for our farmer and fisher borrowers. Through these efforts, we hope to encourage them to go to LANDBANK instead of borrowing from informal lenders who charge significantly higher rates,” Borromeo added.
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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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