San Jose City Mayor Mario O. Salvador (center) and LANDBANK Nueva Ecija Lending Center Head, Vice President Eduardo N. Reyes, Jr. (leftmost) lead the ceremonial signing of a P272-million loan agreement for the construction of public school buildings in the City. Joining them are City Treasurer Arnold A. Escuadro (4th from left), LANDBANK San Jose Branch Head Imelda G. Eusebio (2nd from left), and Account Officer Ruben A. Laureta (rightmost).
SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has granted the City Government of San Jose a P272-million loan for the construction of new public school buildings, towards providing accessible and quality education for San Joseños.
The San Jose LGU will use the funding to build 18 new public school buildings, 15 of which are allotted for elementary schools, two for secondary schools, and one for an integrated school.
The project will be implemented in 15 different barangays, including areas with high incidence of drop-outs due to the lack of nearby educational facilities and high education cost incurred by mostly farmer-parents.
“LANDBANK is committed to providing meaningful investments to advance inclusive, quality education. Our partnership with the City of San Jose will support its continuing development and transcend generations of residents,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo.
Once completed and operational, the new school buildings will provide 115 additional classrooms to around 4,025 students at an ideal classroom to student ratio of 1:33. This will help accommodate more students, from 33,357 to 37,382, who mostly come from families of farmers, regular fixed income earners, and micro and small entrepreneurs.
The project will also benefit the local economy by generating new employment to 72 additional teachers.
San Jose City Mayor Mario O. Salvador and LANDBANK Nueva Ecija Lending Center Head, Vice President Eduardo N. Reyes, Jr. led the ceremonial signing of the loan agreement on 25 April 2023. They were joined by City Treasurer Arnold A. Escuadro, LANDBANK San Jose Branch Head Imelda G. Eusebio, and Account Officer Ruben A. Laureta.
Mayor Salvador thanked LANDBANK for its support in providing better educational facilities to the youth of San Jose.
“We aim to deliver quality convenient education through the construction of various school buildings, especially in remote areas of our community, which will minimize school drop-outs and ease the financial burden of parents,” said Mayor Salvador.
LANDBANK has been a partner of the San Jose LGU since 2002 in delivering responsive and meaningful public services. The Bank has previously supported local development projects that include the acquisition of heavy equipment and construction of public market, farm to market roads, school buildings, overflow bridge, and other essential infrastructure facilities.
DAR lauds LANDBANK for driving agri growth at 2025 Agraryo Trade Fair
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III and LANDBANK EVP Ma. Celeste A. Burgos formally launch the Enhanced ARISE Lending Program at the 2025 Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF), expanding credit support for ARBOs and small farmholders whose livelihoods have been disrupted by various disasters and calamities. LANDBANK has formally launched the LANDBANK’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth thru Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (LIFTING MSMEs) Lending Program, a comprehensive financing initiative aimed at strengthening support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Philippines. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) lauded LANDBANK for its unwavering commitment to agricultural development and rural progress during the opening of the 2025 Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF) on December 1 at Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City. In a press conference at the event, DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III hightighted LANDBANK’s pivotal role in uplifting small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through accessible and responsive financing programs nationwide. “Noong umupo ang bagong administrasyon, yung dating 11 pages na loan application forms, ngayon isang pahina na lang — may tumutulong pa. I will say this with authority, that LANDBANK is indeed performing their mandate. They are serving our farmers. Mahusay talaga sila,” Estrella said. As of October 2025, LANDBANK’s agriculture, fisheries and rural development (AFRD) loan portfolio reached ₱829.15 billion, accounting for 58.93% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio—reflecting focused support for infrastructure development, value chain strengthening, sustainable agribusiness, and farmer- and fisher-centered initiatives nationwide. Expanding market access The Agraryo Trade Fair forms part of DAR’s key support services to strengthen market access and enterprise opportunities for ARBs and agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs). This year’s fair features over 80 ARBs and ARBOs from across the country, showcasing more than 300 products—including fresh produce, processed foods, traditional delicacies, natural fibers, handicrafts, and artisanal items rooted in local culture. Building resilience for ARBs During the event, DAR and LANDBANK formally launched the Enhanced Assistance to Restore and Install Sustainable Enterprises (Enhanced ARISE) Lending Program, which provides expanded credit support for ARBs and ARBOs, particularly those whose livelihoods have been affected by natural calamities, human-made disasters, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks. The Enhanced ARISE program is designed to help the agriculture sector recover and build resilience. It offers a simplified application process, fewer requirements, and higher loan ceilings for production, enterprise, and livelihood needs. Beneficiaries can access financing for recovery and rehabilitation, with interest rates of 2% to 3% per annum for agri-production and enterprise loans, and zero interest for provident loans intended for house or office repairs. “Through the Enhanced ARISE Program, we reaffirm our collaboration with DAR and offer expanded financing support. As your steady partner, we look forward to continuing to drive change together — para sa mas masagana at mas ligtas na buhay para sa bawat magsasaka,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Expanded support to the agri value chain Complementing Enhanced ARISE is the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, which provides broader and more affordable financing for small farmers, fishers, ARBs, cooperatives, and other key players across the agricultural value chain. The program supports a wide range of needs, including crop production, livestock and fisheries, acquisition of farm machinery and equipment, construction or rehabilitation of facilities, and long-term working capital for agribusiness operations. AGRISENSO Plus also extends free life and credit life insurance to eligible borrowers through the LBP Insurance Brokerage, Inc. (LIBI), while participating farmers and ARBOs may access capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance financial management, enterprise development, and sustainable farming practices. These interventions equip borrowers with the skills and resilience needed to sustain and grow their operations. As of October 2025, LANDBANK has released a total of ₱2.18 billion in loans under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, supporting over 12,000 borrowers nationwide, with continued rollout in different regions of the 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 country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK launches new financing window to empower MSMEs
LANDBANK launches the new LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program with DTI, key partners, and MSMEs from Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal on 09 December 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, aimed at empowering businesses at every stage. LANDBANK has formally launched the LANDBANK’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth thru Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (LIFTING MSMEs) Lending Program, a comprehensive financing initiative aimed at strengthening support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Philippines. The launch event, held on 9 December 2025 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, gathered over 200 MSMEs from Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, alongside key partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and Go Negosyo. Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the event, underscoring the program’s pivotal role in providing MSMEs with accessible and flexible financing solutions at every stage of their development. In her remarks, Secretary Roque reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs, stating: “Whether you are a start-up making your first step, a growing enterprise expanding capacity, or an established business ready to level up, the growth of these businesses means more jobs. These options matter because every business has a story to tell and every entrepreneur deserves a fair chance to grow.” The event also featured a session on financial health and wellness led by the BSP, providing practical strategies for managing cash flow and enhancing business resilience. “The LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program integrates all our existing lending initiatives into a cohesive platform. It streamlines processes, improves accessibility, and ensures that financing support is comprehensive, flexible, and inclusive. Through this unified program, businesses at every stage can access tailored financing complemented by technology support and practical tools to help them thrive in a competitive landscape,” said LANDBANK President Ortiz, highlighting the program’s integrated approach. DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque (3rd from right) and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (3rd from left) underscore the strengthened partnership between LANDBANK and DTI through the launch of the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program. Joining them are BSP Managing Director Atty. Charina De Vera-Yap (rightmost) and LANDBANK Directors Omar Byron T. Mier (leftmost), Gaudencio S. Hernandez, Jr. (2nd from left), and Virginia N. Orogo (2nd from right). Tailored financing and strategic support The LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program consolidates all existing MSME lending initiatives of LANDBANK into a unified, streamlined platform. It offers three loan packages tailored to a business’s stage of growth: Start-ups and microenterprises operating for less than a year can access up to ₱500,000 in working capital through the Start-Up Loan. More established micro and small enterprises may avail of the Step-Up Loan, which offers up to ₱5 million for expansion and stabilization. For SMEs seeking major transformation, the Level-Up Loan grants up to ₱50 million to support strategic projects, technology adoption, and enhanced competitiveness. Additional program benefits include reduced interest rates and access to digital tools such as point-of-sale terminals and the LANDBANK Corporate Credit Card. This initiative is in direct response to Republic Act No. 11981, otherwise known as the “Tatak Pinoy Act,” and further expands direct credit access to viable micro and small enterprises. It establishes a dedicated, branded lending program for MSMEs, reinforcing LANDBANK’s commitment to financial inclusion and national development. Prospective borrowers may apply through the LANDBANK Business Loan Application Portal or visit any LANDBANK Lending Center or branch nationwide for assistance, or contact the LANDBANK Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8405-7000. 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.
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LANDBANK brings financial services closer to Filipinos through regional GOCC caravan
Finance Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan (7th from right) leads the opening of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Service Caravan on November 27-28, 2025, at SM City Pampanga, together with GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus (8th from right), SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro (6th from right), LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin, and representatives from other participating GOCCs. SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – Following the success of the inaugural event in Manila, LANDBANK reaffirms its commitment to accessible public service by participating in the regional rollout of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Service Caravan on November 27-28, 2025, at SM City Pampanga. Spearheaded by the Department of Finance (DOF), the two-day caravan, themed “Serbisyo sa Bayan, Hatid ng GOCCs, Kaakbay ang DOF,” aims to bring convenient and coordinated government services directly to communities in Central Luzon, supporting the national government's thrust for greater public visibility and engagement. “This service caravan is our way of showing that public service should be accessible, visible, and centered on what the people need. By bringing these services to communities, working closely with our agencies, and helping more Filipinos understand what our GOCCs can offer, we can provide real support and strengthen trust in our government," said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Frederick D. Go, in a message delivered by Finance Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan. The caravan gathered key government institutions to provide a one-stop shop for public services. Joining LANDBANK and the DOF are the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Pag-IBIG Fund, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and other GOCCs. Accessible banking and loan services LANDBANK officers are ready to assist clients with on-site digital account opening through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), and other banking services at the regional GOCC Caravan. The event drew a diverse audience of pensioners, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, fishers, and urban workers from across the region, as LANDBANK showcased financial solutions tailored to the needs of Central Luzon’s sectors and communities. Featured programs include the Bank’s flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, which provides timely financing to farmers and fishers for their production needs and livelihood projects, including the purchase of raw materials, machinery, equipment, and necessary working capital to operationalize activities, with a low, fixed interest rate of 3.0% per annum for greater affordability. “LANDBANK is excited to bring our services directly to the people of Pampanga and across Central Luzon. This caravan is a strategic platform to connect with our kababayans, understand their needs, and present financial solutions that can help improve their lives and grow their businesses,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. To promote financial inclusion, the Bank also facilitated on-site account opening and demonstrated the ease of using the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) for everyday transactions, such as bills payment, fund transfers, and digital loan products. The Bank also promoted the GoBayani, a digital deposit account for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad, which provides secure access for fund transfers, e-commerce, and receiving remittances via Visa Direct, as well as the PISO Plus account, a no-maintaining-balance savings account opened via the LANDBANK MBA, ideal for receiving digital disbursements, among other Bank products. LANDBANK’s active participation in this regional caravan underscores its unwavering commitment to nation-building, and in empowering Filipinos for a better future. 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 country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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