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LANDBANK, Water.org partner to expand access to safe water nationwide


June 2, 2025

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Water.org Regional Director for Southeast Asia Griselda G. Santos, have partnered to provide sustainable financing solutions for water and sanitation projects, especially in underserved communities. LANDBANK Director Gaudencio S. Hernandez Jr., Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, and Water.org Portfolio Lead Floredick B. Pajarillo witnessed the event.

MANILA, Philippines — In a move to improve access to safe, affordable water across the country, LANDBANK and international non-profit organization Water.org have formalized a strategic partnership to scale up investments for water and sanitation projects.

The collaboration aims to deliver sustainable financing solutions for water and sanitation projects, particularly in underserved communities. This is in support of the national government’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030.

Under the partnership, LANDBANK will share its lending guidelines to support Water.org identify qualified borrowers. In turn, Water.org will provide technical assistance to improve project preparedness and viability, including support for documentation, loan applications, and technical assessments.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Water.org Regional Director for Southeast Asia Griselda G. Santos inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 15 May 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, witnessed by LANDBANK Director Gaudencio S. Hernandez Jr., Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Water.org Portfolio Lead Floredick B. Pajarillo. 

“By combining LANDBANK’s nationwide reach and financing capacity with Water.org’s expertise in community engagement, technical support, and impact evaluation, we are building a powerful alliance,” said LANDBANK President Ortiz.

The collaboration brings together LANDBANK’s strong track record in public infrastructure financing and Water.org’s market-based approach to expanding access to safe water.  

The partnership is set to benefit local water service providers—including water districts, financial institutions, local government units (LGUs), cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

“There's still a long way to go towards a sustainable solution in the Philippines. No one institution—government nor NGO—can do it alone. This challenge provides an opportunity for us to work together for a more sustainable and resilient country,” said Water.org Regional Director Santos, welcoming the partnership as a key milestone in enabling inclusive water solutions in the country.

Water.org will identify potential borrowers for water and sanitation projects and refer them to LANDBANK based on the Bank’s eligibility criteria, while also assisting loan applicants in completing documentary requirements.

Implementation of the partnership will be carried out under LANDBANK’s Water for Everyone (H2OPE) Program, which supports the development of sustainable water sources, improvement of distribution systems, and construction of sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities nationwide.

As of March 2025, LANDBANK has approved P8.8 billion in loans to 36 borrowers under the H2OPE program. The partnership with Water.org is expected to scale the program’s reach and impact, accelerating the delivery of safe water and sanitation across the country.

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.

ABOUT Water.org

Water.org is a global non-profit organization that has helped transform the lives of more than 56 million people around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. For over three decades, Water.org pioneers market-driven financial solutions to address the global water crisis, empowering families with the resources and opportunities to build healthier, more resilient futures.


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