Farmer Eric A. Janolino from the Municipality of Opol in Misamis Oriental ventured into tilapia farming and expanded his income with the financial assistance extended by LANDBANK and the Department of Agriculture under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program.
OPOL, Misamis Oriental – For over 30 years, Eric A. Janolino has dedicated his life to farming palay, corn, and various vegetables in the remote sitio of Tingkulan in Barangay Bagocboc. As someone without formal education, farming was the only way Eric knew to support his growing family. Yet, despite decades of hard work, life was a constant uphill battle.
To fund each planting season, Eric used to rely on informal lenders who charged exorbitant and crippling interest rates, often leaving him with little to no profit after the harvest. This made it nearly impossible to improve his farming methods or invest in the necessary resources to grow his livelihood.
Adding to his struggles, Eric lived in an isolated community with limited access to government services. The barangay is accessible only by motorcycle, requiring a 30-minute ride along rugged, unpaved roads and crossing several rivers from the town proper. This makes transporting crops to the market both difficult and costly, eating further into his already limited earnings.
In search of better income, Eric tried his luck in Manila, taking on jobs as an electrician and security guard. But he felt out of place in the bustling city, and his heart pulled him back to the fields he had always called home. Returning to farming, however, presented the same persistent struggles—high-interest loans and limited resources left him with little to provide for his wife and three children.
A new beginning
Hope came in 2023 when Eric learned about the financial assistance available for small farmers like him, facilitated by LANDBANK in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA). Under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, he secured a ₱100,000 loan with a low annual interest rate of 2%, or only about ₱2,000 for the entire year.
Eric was guided by LANDBANK and DA through every step of securing the loan—something he never thought possible due to his limited reading and writing skills.
“Dati, kanya-kanyang diskarte ang mga tao dito para magkaroon ng puhunan sa pagsasaka. Pero noong dumating ang LANDBANK, ipinaliwanag nila kung paano kami makakapag-avail ng murang pautang sa ilalim ng ACEF program. Hindi na kami nahirapan sa pagbabayad ng malalaking interes sa 5-6,” Eric shared.
With LANDBANK’s financial support, Eric ventured into tilapia farming and invested in building three fishponds, under the guidance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10. To ensure success, he completed a BFAR training on tilapia production, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to maximize his new venture.
A ripple effect of growth
The impact of tilapia farming on Eric’s life was profound. His once meager earnings for his family grew into a steady and reliable income. He invested his profits to buy a carabao and a horse to help transport goods to market, raised pigs for extra income, and even renovated their home. Most significantly, Eric was able to send his children to school—something he once thought was out of reach.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa LANDBANK dahil hindi sila nag-atubiling tumulong sa katulad naming mga mahihirap. Ngayon, meron na kaming mga hayop na pangkargada sa aming mga produkto at pang-araro ng bukid, kaya malaki talaga ang naitulong ng LANDBANK sa aking pamilya. Anuman ang iyong kalagayan at pangangailangan, nandiyan sila para magbigay ng tulong at suporta,” Eric said.
Motivated by the opportunities provided by LANDBANK and DA, Eric inspired his fellow farmers to achieve the same success. Fourteen other farmers from his barangay availed themselves of the affordable credit facilities under the ACEF Lending Program and embraced tilapia farming. Like Eric, they soon began to see their livelihoods—and their incomes—flourish, enabling their families to better meet their needs and secure a brighter future.
Empowering small farmers and fishers nationwide
LANDBANK serves as the conduit bank of DA in implementing the ACEF Lending Program, which aims to boost the productivity of marginalized agricultural players through the extension of accessible credit assistance, among other support initiatives.
Under the Program, farmers and fishers can borrow up to P1 million, while cooperatives, associations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs) may access loans up to P5 million for the purchase of farm inputs and equipment, as well as the acquisition or establishment of agri-based production and processing machinery, equipment, and facilities.
As of December 2024, LANDBANK has released a total of ₱14 billion in loans under the ACEF Lending Program benefitting 95,301 borrowers nationwide, 98% of which are small farmers and fishers.
ABOUT LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
LANDBANK backs bulk of ₱100-B PSALM power loan
PSALM President and CEO Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna (3rd from left), LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (2nd from left), and DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus (rightmost) lead the ceremonial signing for the ₱100-billion syndicated loan for PSALM, witnessed by Government Corporate Counsel Judge Solomon M. Hermosura (leftmost). QUEZON CITY — In support of the National Government's fiscal sustainability and energy sector reform efforts, LANDBANK is extending majority of a ₱100-billion Syndicated Term Loan Facility to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM). LANDBANK as one of the Joint Lead Arrangers and Lenders, committed ₱60 billion or 60% of the total syndicated term loan facility. The proceeds of the facility will be used to augment PSALM’s working capital requirements, refinance existing liabilities, and settle domestic contractual obligations. PSALM President and CEO Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, and DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus signed the syndicated loan facility agreement on 17 July 2025. The signing was witnessed by Government Corporate Counsel Judge Solomon M. Hermosura. "We are honored to be part of this important milestone, alongside our partners in government and development finance. This transaction reflects our collective resolve to strengthening the Philippine power sector — an industry that is fundamental to shaping the future of our economy and uplifting the lives of every Filipino,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. LANDBANK and DBP acted as the Joint Lead Arrangers for the syndicated deal, with LANDBANK – Trust Banking Group as the Facility and Paying Agent, and the Officer of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) as the Transaction Counsel. The loan will support PSALM fulfill its mandate under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which includes the management, privatization, and optimal liquidation of the remaining assets and financial obligations of the National Power Corporation. LANDBANK has been a steadfast partner of PSALM since 2008, consistently providing essential financing in support of its programs. The Bank also remains a key player in advancing the country’s energy agenda, financing major players in the industry including large oil companies, power producers, and distribution utilities, as part of its role as reliable enable of national 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.
LEARN MORE
LANDBANK backs PNP retirees in streamlining pensions
Streamlining PNP Pensions: PNP Chief of Police General Nicolas Torre III (5th from left) and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) lead the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to streamline the disbursement of pension and other retirement benefits for retired police personnel, held on 14 August 2025 at the PNP National Headquarters in Quezon City. Joining them from LANDBANK are Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (3rd from left), Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca (2nd from left), First Vice President Atty. Nikkolas B. Tolentino (6th from left), Vice President Hansen W. Chu (rightmost), and Assistant Vice President Marissa A. Garduque (leftmost). QUEZON CITY – Committed to delivering accessible and efficient banking services, LANDBANK has been tapped anew by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to simplify pension processing for retiring police personnel. Under this collaboration, active PNP personnel can now continue using their existing LANDBANK payroll accounts as their pension accounts upon retirement. This eliminates the need to open a separate account, saving time, reducing paperwork, and ensuring uninterrupted receipt of benefits for about 250 new PNP pensioners each month. “As the PNP’s depository bank, LANDBANK is honored to be your steadfast partner in making your financial operations more seamless and efficient. We provide a full range of traditional and digital banking solutions to support your needs, while serving the salaries and benefits of over 230,800 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, and around 80,000 pensioners nationwide,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The signing of the amended and restated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was led by PNP Chief of Police General Nicolas Torre III and LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Present as witnesses were Police Brigadier General Jonas Amparo and Police Brigadier General Marlou Roy Alzate, alongside LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca, and Vice President Hansen W. Chu on 14 August 2025 at the PNP National Headquarters. In line with the National Government’s digitalization drive, LANDBANK is likewise encouraging the PNP to expand the use of the Bank’s Link.BizPortal for fee collections. As of June 2025, the Link.BizPortal has processed 2.9 million PNP transactions, with more than 2.85 million for police clearances. As PNP’s longstanding partner, LANDBANK continues to provide payroll servicing, fund transfers, bills payment, and investment facilities, as well as other digital and traditional banking services, to help the agency perform its mandate of maintaining peace and order and ensuring public safety. 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.
LEARN MORE
TANYAG and Proud: LANDBANK at 62 honors champions of nation-building
To mark 62 years of meaningful public service, LANDBANK recently honored its outstanding clients and partners who have been instrumental in delivering essential financial and support services nationwide. The inaugural LANDBANK Gawad TANYAG (Tanging Yaman at Galing) Awards held on 8 August 2025 celebrated the Bank’s clients who have made an impact in communities and models of operational excellence, which include individual farmers and fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations and large enterprises, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), and microfinance institutions (MFIs). “Sa bawat kwento ninyo, nakikita ko ang hinaharap na hinahangad nating lahat: isang Pilipinas na mas mayaman sa oportunidad, masagana sa pag-asa — kaya’t maraming salamat po sa pagpapatunay na ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang monopolya ng iilan, na ang pag-asenso ay puwedeng makamit ng bawat mamamayan,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in a statement. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the awarding ceremony to honor exemplary clients who embody the Bank’s core values of partnership, loyalty, and excellence. She was joined by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, alongside key development partners. “Through Gawad TANYAG, we honor the invaluable contributions of our clients who help move our nation forward. This is our way of celebrating partnerships that go beyond banking — partnerships rooted in trust, shared purpose, and the pursuit of meaningful change,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Under the Gawad PITAK (Pinakatanging Kooperatiba) category, the Hagonoy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Panabingan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Nueva Ecija Seed Grower Multi-Purpose Cooperative were recognized as outstanding agri-based cooperatives in the small, medium, and large categories, respectively. The ASKI Employees Credit Cooperative and Providers Multi-Purpose Cooperative were also honored under the non-agricultural cooperative category. Individual excellence was highlighted through the Ulirang Magsasaka award conferred to Alfonso Namujhe Jr. of Nueva Vizcaya, and the Ulirang Mangingisda award bestowed to Agrifina A. Gabres of Aurora. “Napakalaking tulong ng LANDBANK. Noong mag-umpisa kami, walang bangko na gustong tumulong sa amin. LANDBANK lang ang naniwala. My dad started the spark, and LANDBANK fueled it. The citrus industry of Nueva Vizcaya owes it to LANDBANK,” said Josephine Namujhe, who received the award on behalf of her father. The Gawad MSME was awarded to Jose Fernand Latog and Jollypig Farms, Inc. for the small and medium agri-based enterprises, respectively. Meanwhile, Spouses Patrick Mary and Rodary Therese Guanzon, and Spouses Mary Jeanette and Michael Anthony Bercadez were recognized under the small and medium non-agri enterprise categories, respectively. The Gawad KAAGAPAY (Korporasyon na KAagapay sa Ating GAnap na TagumPAY) was conferred to Soliman E.C. Septic Tank Disposal, Fiesta Communities, Inc., and Cebu Landmasters, Inc. for their significant contributions as corporations and large enterprises in stimulating local economic growth. “With the support of LANDBANK, we are very grateful that we have a partner in providing homes for our kababayans and empowering the Filipino people,” said Willie Tan, Founder and President of Fiesta Communities, Inc. Rural Bank of Angeles, Producers Savings Bank Corporation, First Isabela Cooperative Bank, and ASA Philippines Foundations, Inc. were recognized with the Gawad PFI (Partner Financial Institution) for their exceptional performance under the rural bank, thrift bank, and microfinance categories, respectively. The complete list of Gawad TANYAG awardees can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/356a3ezb LANDBANK is celebrating its 62nd anniversary marking 62 meaningful years of advancing growth, financial inclusion, and sustainability through responsive and impactful banking services. 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.
LEARN MORE
