Spouses Leonilo and Bella Basister from Mayorga, Leyte grew their palay trading business with support from LANDBANK, now running two rice mills that produce more than 100,000 sacks of milled rice per year.
MAYORGA, Leyte – As someone who was not able to pursue higher education due to financial constraints, Leonilo “Kiloy” Basister only had limited opportunities to make ends meet, especially after getting married at the young age of 21.
With a seed money of only P270, Kiloy initially ventured into selling fish and live piglets in the market, while taking side jobs in between. He also borrowed resources from relatives and friends to expand his capital.
After years of hard work, he and his wife, Bella, earned enough to start the L.K. Basister Rice and Palay Trading in 1998, with Kiloy supervising the overall operations and his wife handling all financial aspects of the business.
From buying and selling only about 17 sacks of palay, the couple saw their business expanding year after year, until they were challenged to look for local rice mill operators that can accommodate their growing stocks. This pushed them to establish their own rice mill in 2010 that can process up to 30,000 sacks per year.
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Kiloy and Bella have been managing the L.K. Basister Rice and Palay Trading over the years, with the former supervising the overall operations and the latter handling the financial side of the business.
The big break for their business came in 2012 when Kiloy and Bella secured a P3-million credit line from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). With a bigger working capital, the couple was able to buy more palay from local farmers in Mayorga and neighboring towns, providing a sure market for their produce.
“Malaking tulong talaga ang LANDBANK sa paglago ng aming business at kung nasaan kami ngayon. Nagkaroon kami ng mas malaking pondo na nagagamit para makabili ng palay na gigilingin namin sa buong taon. Dahil dito ay patuloy na tumaas ang aming kita at talagang nakaahon kami sa hirap,” Kiloy shared.
Through the Bank’s constant support over the years, the L.K. Basister Rice and Palay Trading has now grown into a multi-million enterprise, producing more than 100,000 sacks of milled rice per year.
And as their profits steadily increased, the couple’s credit line with LANDBANK likewise expanded to P100 million due to their good credit standing.
Kiloy and Bella are currently running two rice mills with whitener and mist polisher, complemented by two warehouses and 14 mechanical dryers. They also have 14 delivery equipment for logistics support, and an outlet in Tacloban City to facilitate the disposal of the milled rice.
Aside from contributing to the town’s food security, the business has been providing employment opportunities to 70 local residents involved in drying, milling, hauling, sacking and delivery of products. An additional workforce is also employed during harvest season when there is an expected higher volume of production.
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The couple’s business also provides employment opportunities for about 70 local residents involved in drying, milling, hauling, sacking and delivery of the milled rice.
More than anything else, Kiloy and Bella now enjoy a comfortable life with their six children. They are able to send their kids to school, with four of them already graduated from college and are now helping in running the family business.
Despite all their success, the couple is not taking it easy, as they continue to manage their business with the same persistence as when they were starting. They have also expanded and diversified into other fields such as poultry farming.
It was indeed a long journey for Kiloy and Bella, and they remain thankful to LANDBANK for pushing them to their limits as entrepreneurs. “Ang masasabi ko sa mga gustong mag negosyo ay magtiyaga lang kayo. Mangutang kung kailangan basta marunong magbayad at alam ninyo kung saan ito gagamitin,” Kiloy said.
LANDBANK has been extending financial support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as part of its commitment to assist key economic sectors in building stronger and more inclusive local communities. As of end-June 2023, the Bank’s outstanding loans to the MSME sector reached P49.5 billion for the benefit of over 6,100 borrowers nationwide.
Empowering agri value chains: LANDBANK rolls out AGRISENSO plus in Western Visayas
LANDBANK empowered over 1,500 farmers from across Iloilo with the launch of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Western Visayas on 11 July 2025 at the Pototan Coliseum in Pototan. POTOTAN, Iloilo – In its continued push to strengthen agri-based communities and ensure food security, LANDBANK launched the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Western Visayas, bringing accessible financing and other support to small farmers, fishers, and agri-enterprises in the region. The launch event on 11 July 2025 at the Pototan Coliseum in this municipality, dubbed as the “rice granary of Panay,” marked the sixth rollout of the Program nationwide and the first in Western Visayas. Over 1,500 farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) attended the event, underscoring the growing demand for affordable financing and holistic support across the agriculture value chain. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the event, as joined by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Asis G. Perez, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) President Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) OIC-Executive Director Ma. Cristina G. Lopez, Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro, and LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Leila C. Martin and Allan V. Bornas, and Senior Vice President Atty. Roderick P. Sacro. “With AGRISENSO Plus, LANDBANK is bringing more than just credit, we are building linkages, capacity, and opportunities to transform agri-livelihoods into viable enterprises that can compete and grow. This is especially crucial in Western Visayas which is as a key pillar of our national food supply,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Inclusive financing and more The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK’s comprehensive value chain-based financing initiative, developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and various private sector partners. 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. Under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, eligible borrowers benefit from simplified documentation requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to financing and technical support across a wide range of agricultural activities. The Program also connects borrowers to market opportunities through partnerships with anchor firms, namely Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC). AGRISENSO Plus is reinforced by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, a capacity-building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. AGRISENSO Plus Card As part of the holistic approach of the AGRISENSO Plus Program, LANDBANK also introduced the AGRISENSO Plus Card, a specially designed savings account for farmers, fishers, and ARBs. The account can be opened easily through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, with no initial deposit or maintaining balance required. Cardholders can conveniently pay bills, shop online, make cardless withdrawals, enjoy free fund transfers to other LANDBANK accounts, and receive remittances from abroad. Expanding reach and deepening impact As of May 2025, LANDBANK has extended a total of ₱1.16 billion in loans through AGRISENSO Plus, directly benefiting 6,853 borrowers and advancing growth across the agriculture sector. The rollout of the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus in Iloilo follows successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, and Bukidnon that engaged more than 5,000 farmers across Luzon and Mindanao. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mandate to advance countryside development by scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agri value chain — empowering small producers, driving productivity, and helping lay the groundwork for a more food-secure Philippines. 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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Empowering farmers and fishers nationwide: LANDBANK accelerates agri financing rollout in Mindanao
LANDBANK empowered over 1,200 farmers from across Bukidnon with the launch of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Mindanao on 20 June 2025 at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City. MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – As part of its nationwide thrust to strengthen food security and drive rural development, LANDBANK launched its flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in this City, the initiative’s first major rollout in Mindanao. The event gathered over 1,200 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from across the province, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and support for agri-based communities. Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto commended the initiative, which is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s goal to boost the agriculture sector, accelerate rural development, and strengthen the country’s food security. “Ang programang ito ng LANDBANK at ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, Jr. ay isang konkreto at inklusibong sagot sa matagal niyo nang panawagan na tulong pinansyal. Ito ay programang may malasakit—at may malinaw na pangarap na gawing abot-kamay ang pag-asenso ng bawat magsasaka at mangingisda,” Secretary Recto said in a message during the launch event on 20 June 2025 at the Kaamulan Theater, Kaamulan Grounds, Malaybalay City. The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program launch in Bukidnon is the fifth in a series of nationwide rollouts, following successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, and Batanes, which collectively engaged more than 3,800 farmers from Northern and Central Luzon. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the program launch, together with Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque and Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro. Also present were Philippine Guarantee Corporation President and CEO Albert E. Pascual, Malaybalay Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Leila C. Martin, and farmer leader Bambi A. Lagata from Jasaan, Cabansalan. “Bukidnon plays a vital role in ensuring food security for Mindanao and the rest of the country. With its rich soil and favorable climate, the Province continues to lead in the production of rice, corn, sugarcane, pineapple, coffee, and many other high-value crops. Our efforts through AGRISENSO Plus are also in step with the Provincial Government’s agenda of building a stronger economy and increasing agricultural productivity,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Strengthening agri financing and building capacity The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK’s comprehensive value chain-based financing initiative, developed in partnership with the DA, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and various private sector stakeholders. 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. Under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, eligible borrowers benefit from simplified documentation requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to financing and technical support across a wide range of agricultural activities. The Program also connects borrowers to market opportunities through partnerships with anchor firms, namely Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC). AGRISENSO Plus is reinforced by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, a capacity-building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. As of May 2025, LANDBANK has extended a total of ₱1.16 billion in loans through AGRISENSO Plus, directly benefiting 6,853 borrowers and advancing growth across the agriculture sector. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mandate to advance countryside development by scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agri value chain — empowering small producers, driving productivity, and helping lay the groundwork for a more food-secure Philippines. 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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Recto commends LANDBANK for declaring its single highest dividends in history to benefit Filipinos
Finance Secretary and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) Chair Ralph G. Recto has praised the state bank for declaring PHP 33.5 billion in dividends––its single highest dividend yield in its history, with millions of Filipinos expected to benefit. The dividend remittance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to uphold fiscal discipline, ensuring that the government maximizes non-tax revenues to fund priority programs without the need to impose new taxes on the people. “Ang halagang ito ay resulta ng kusang pagbubuti ng serbisyo ng LANDBANK. Ibig sabihin, mas maraming magsasaka ang nabigyan ng murang pautang, mas maraming mangingisda ang naabutan ng tulong, at mas masigla ang daloy ng kapital sa tinatawag nating countryside economy,” he said in his speech at the ceremonial turnover on June 9, 2025. “Kaya naman hindi lang po tseke ang inabot niyo ngayong araw, kundi pag-asa para sa milyon milyong Pilipinong makikinabang dito,” the LANDBANK Chair added. Under Republic Act No. 7656 or the Dividend Law, Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) are required to remit at least 50% of their net earnings during the preceding year as dividends to the national government. To maximize non-tax revenue, the Department of Finance (DOF) has requested GOCCs to increase this share to 75%. Secretary Recto thanked the DOF’s Corporate Sector and Strategic Infrastructure Group (CSSIG) for their impeccable work in helping oversee the country’s GOCCs, ensuring transparency, accountability, and genuine service for the Filipino people. “This dividend remittance to the National Treasury is living proof that when a government financial institution serves the people well, the nation reaps greater rewards,” he said. In 2024, LANDBANK remitted PHP32.12 billion in dividends — the highest among all GOCCs. With this year’s PHP33.53 billion declaration, LANDBANK maintains its standing as the top dividend contributor among GOCCs for the second consecutive year. “Our continued solid performance affirms LANDBANK’s role as a reliable partner of the National Government in its infrastructure push, its support to the agriculture, education and healthcare sectors. This is LANDBANK’s value to the Filipino people: clear in its impact and rooted in its mission,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Meanwhile, LANDBANK posted a solid PHP 13.29 billion net income for the first quarter of 2025, up 11% from PHP 11.98 billion year-on-year and 32% above its first quarter target. LANDBANK’s total assets also grew to PHP 3.43 trillion, up 5% year-on-year from PHP 3.27 trillion, driven by expansions in both loan and investment portfolios. Present during the turnover were DOF Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco, CSSIG Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan, and National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza. (Press release courtesy of Department of Finance)
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