LANDBANK Sagay Branch facilitates the account opening of unbanked Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrants at a registration center in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on June 2, 2021.
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has ramped-up efforts to bring more unbanked Filipinos into the formal banking system, in support for the National Government’s financial inclusion agenda.
As of May 31, 2021, LANDBANK has onboarded a total of 3,794,882 unbanked National ID registrants for transaction accounts, of whom 1,071,177 have already received their LANDBANK Agent Banking Cards (ABCs).
The cards, which were provided free-of-charge and with no initial deposit requirement, form part of the Bank’s ongoing partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to co-locate in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) rollouts nationwide and provide unbanked registrants with their own transaction accounts.
“As we commemorate Independence Day centered on unity, LANDBANK continues to take part in the National Government’s whole-of-nation approach towards reaching and serving more unbanked and underserved Filipinos, helping them to be financially independent. We are one with government partners in fast-tracking initiatives to bridge the financial inclusion gap in the country,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
The LANDBANK ABCs are given to unbanked PhilSys registrants through LANDBANK account opening booths at designated co-location areas. As of end-May 2021, LANDBANK has co-located in more than 850 PhilSys registration centers in 32 pilot provinces nationwide.
Cardholders can use the LANDBANK ABCs to cash-in, cash-out, and transfer funds at any LANDBANK Branch or Agent Banking Partner. They can also withdraw cash at Mastercard-accepting ATMs, perform cashless transactions, shop online, and receive government subsidies digitally.
In the future, the LANDBANK ABCs may be used as contactless cards to pay fares in public transport modes under the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
With its various efforts to boost financial inclusion in the country, LANDBANK is doing its share in reducing inequality, in helping to free the unbanked from poverty, and in promoting inclusive growth. Financial inclusion provides the unbanked opportunities to save, invest, and avail of affordable credit, leading towards their financial independence.
By banking the unbanked, LANDBANK enables government cash grants and pensions to be credited directly into their accounts through cashless fund transfers.
Delivering social protection programs
Together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LANDBANK has also distributed a total of 5.6 million LANDBANK Cash Cards to beneficiaries of social protection program nationwide as of May 31, 2021.
Of this total, 4.4 million LANDBANK Cash Cards were delivered to DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program beneficiaries. The remaining 1.2 million cash cards were distributed to Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Program beneficiaries, composed of 596,761 and 643,562 beneficiaries under the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens and poor households in the DSWD’s Listahanan database, respectively.
Through the LANDBANK Cash Cards, beneficiaries receive their government subsidy in a timely, safe, and convenient manner. They can withdraw from LANDBANK’s ATMs, partner cash-out agents, as well as from the ATMs of BancNet-member banks nationwide. They can also use their cards for cashless transactions through point-of-sale (POS) machines.
Reaching unbanked and underserved municipalities
To reach more unbanked and underserved areas, LANDBANK is also expanding its Agent Banking Program by partnering with more cooperatives, rural banks, local government units, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), among others, to help provide basic banking services.
From the Program’s full implementation in March 2020 up to May 31, 2021, LANDBANK has certified 111 Full-Suite Agent Banking Partners (ABPs) operating in 48 unbanked municipalities and 159 underserved municipalities or those without a LANDBANK branch. These ABPs facilitate POS cash-out and cash-in services, fund transfers, balance inquiries, bills payment, and account opening with electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) and issuance of LANDBANK ABCs.
LANDBANK has also partnered with a total of 645 POS cash-out only ABPs as of end-May 2021, utilizing 959 terminals deployed in 130 unbanked municipalities and 829 underserved municipalities or those without a LANDBANK branch. These POS devices allow cash-out transactions not only for LANDBANK-issued cards but also for other participating BancNet ATM cards.
From January to May 2021, a total of 1,665,112 cash-out transactions amounting to P8.19 billion were facilitated by LANDBANK’s ABPs. These represent increases of 4.5% and 11% year-on-year for volume of transactions and value, respectively.
Banking on technology
The state-run Bank also launched on May 12, 2021, the Digital On-Boarding System Mobile or DOBS Mobile which facilitates online savings account opening anytime, anywhere, in as fast as 10 to 15 minutes—free-of-charge and with no initial deposit requirement—without the need to visit a LANDBANK branch.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence, the LANDBANK DOBS Mobile allows interested clients to fill out application forms online, take a “selfie” and upload a valid identification card through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) on their mobile device. This eliminates the need to visit and line up in branches to open an account and support the government’s health protocols during this pandemic.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that a basic indicator of financial inclusion for sustainable and equitable national development is ownership of an account held in banks, e-money wallets, and microfinance institutions (MFIs) used to save, send or receive remittance, as well as for income, benefits, and bills payment. In its 2019 financial inclusion survey, the BSP said only 20.9 million Filipinos or 23% of the population own an account.
For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), and join our Viber community (@LANDBANK), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
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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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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