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Bulacan co-op empowers communities with LANDBANK
“A vision of service from womb to tomb.” For the Ligas Kooperatiba ng Bayan sa Pagpapaunlad (LKBP), this is not just a mantra—it is a continuing promise realized for over 18,300 members and counting. Founded in 1986 with a modest capital of only P15,800 pooled from its 30 founding members, LKBP dared to challenge the cycle of debt, driven by high-interest informal loans, offering an alternative financial solution to the community. Fast forward 39 years and LKBP now boasts of P2.8 billion in assets and P367 million in share capital, becoming a cornerstone of financial empowerment in Bulacan and beyond. “Being a billionaire cooperative is not just about what LKBP is worth. It also means that we have a greater responsibility to ensure all our 18,300 members are financially equipped and included, so they can improve their lives,” said LKBP Finance Manager Ms. Marilette A. Avendaño. A Cooperative for the Community Staying true to its commitment, LKBP has evolved beyond a financial institution—as an accessible lifeline for its members and the community. It has established various essential services that directly benefit members at every stage of life, from education and healthcare to livelihood opportunities, and memorial care through a dedicated area at the Manila Memorial Park for its deceased members. “Initially, our clinic was meant exclusively for our members, but we soon realized that the broader community also needed medical support. So, we opened our doors to non-members at affordable rates. Cooperatives should not only serve their members but should also uplift as many lives as possible in the community,” Avendaño added. The cooperative has also played a significant role in generating employment. Through its diverse ventures—including a garments manufacturing business in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), a fuel refilling station, and a hardware enterprise—the cooperative provides stable jobs to individuals, including those who lack formal education. Employees are not only given fair wages and benefits but are also treated with dignity and respect, embodying LKBP’s belief in shared prosperity. Powered by LANDBANK Determined to expand its operations and impact to the community, LKBP partnered with LANDBANK in 2000, beginning with deposit accounts and later growing into credit facilities to support LKBP’s own lending activities. This collaboration provided the cooperative with the financial muscle to meet the increasing demands of its members, including those engaged in poultry farming in the Baliwag and Pampanga areas. “We started with a modest credit line with LANDBANK, which now stands at P1 billion. It’s a good problem to have because we know that anytime we need funds, we can rely on LANDBANK to support us,” Avendaño shared. LANDBANK’s alignment with LKBP’s mission of financial inclusion has been instrumental in scaling the cooperative’s initiatives. With access to tailored financial solutions, LKBP has not only expanded its reach but has also improved its services for grassroots members. “LANDBANK shares LKBP’s commitment to grassroots development. They have always provided financial solutions that cater to small-scale entrepreneurs and cooperatives, ensuring that even the most underserved members of the community have access to credit and banking services,” Avendaño said. Inspiring other Cooperatives As one of the most successful cooperatives in Region 3, LKBP’s has become a benchmark for other aspiring cooperatives. Through knowledge-sharing initiatives such as learning field trips, LKBP trains other cooperatives on strategies and best practices for sustainable growth and community impact. In recognition of its outstanding contributions to cooperative excellence and service to the community, LKBP was recently awarded as the Outstanding Non-Agri-Based Cooperative in the Large Category under the Gawad sa Pinakatanging Kooperatiba (Gawad PITAK) during LANDBANK’s MERIT Awards. “It is heartwarming to know that other emerging cooperatives look up to us. It assures us that our work is visible and impactful, and we are more than willing to share our knowledge with others,” Avendaño added. From its humble beginnings to becoming a billion-peso cooperative, LKBP has demonstrated that financial growth and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive, but can go hand in hand. With strong support from LANDBANK, LKBP continues to redefine the standard for cooperative excellence in the Philippines by empowering individuals and uplifting communities. 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 mobile banking app wins ‘most innovative’ award
(Left photo) LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (left) and Leila C. Martin (center) accept the ‘Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application’ award at the 12th International Finance Awards (IFA) 2024, recognizing the Bank's leadership in digital banking innovation and financial inclusion. BANGKOK, Thailand – LANDBANK has been recognized for its digital banking excellence, winning the ‘Most Innovative Banking Application’ at the 12th Annual International Finance Awards (IFA) 2024. The award underscores LANDBANK’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to enhance financial inclusion and empower Filipinos with seamless, secure, and efficient banking services. "This IFA award reaffirms LANDBANK's drive to transforming the banking landscape in the Philippines. Our Mobile Banking App equips every Filipino with essential tools to navigate their financial journey—from opening an account online, to managing finances, and investing in government instruments—all with greater confidence and convenience," said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Leila C. Martin and Ma. Celeste A. Burgos received the award on behalf of the Bank during the IFA ceremony held on 21 February 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The IFA recognizes outstanding industry talent, leadership, and financial capability on a global scale. In 2016, IFA also awarded LANDBANK as the “Most Socially Responsible Bank” in the Philippines for its strong commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. “We will remain steadfast in developing innovative banking solutions, staying true to our promise of empowering Filipinos for a better future,” LANDBANK President Ortiz added. Record growth in digital transactions The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) continues to record unprecedented growth, with transaction volume increasing 94% generating facilitating 106.82 million transactions amounting to P450.59 billion in value. With 2.1 million users, this surge underscores the growing trust and adoption of Filipinos to LANDBANK’s digital banking services. Designed for efficiency and accessibility, the LANDBANK MBA provides a seamless platform for online fund transfers, bills payment, and account opening. Clients can download the LANDBANK MBA for free on Google Play, Apple App Store, and Huawei App Gallery, offering Filipinos a secure and convenient banking experience anytime, anywhere. 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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Fitch Upgrades LANDBANK’s Viability Rating, Citing Stronger Financial Position
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has received an upgraded Viability Rating (VR) from Fitch Ratings, rising from ‘bb’ to ‘bb+’, reflecting the Bank’s improved standalone financial strength. This upgrade highlights LANDBANK’s stronger capital buffers and enhanced profitability outlook. Fitch also reaffirmed LANDBANK’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’/Stable and Government Support Rating (GSR) at ‘bbb’, emphasizing the Bank’s systemic importance, full state ownership, and continued strong government support. Strengthened Financial Position The upward revision of LANDBANK’s VR signifies its resilience in navigating external challenges while reinforcing its role as a key policy bank. The upgrade follows Fitch’s assessment of the Philippine banking sector’s operating environment, which was revised updward to 'bbb-'/stable from 'bb+'/stable, a key factor in the Bank’s credit profile. “This latest rating upgrade is a testament to LANDBANK’s sound financial foundation and resilience. With a solid capital base and an improving profitability outlook, we are well-positioned to drive stronger financial performance while deepening our commitment to agriculture and other key economic sectors that fuel national growth,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Stronger Profitability and Capital Position LANDBANK’s earnings and profitability assessment was also a step-up to ‘bb’/positive from ‘bb-’/stable, with Fitch citing expectations of improved core profitability as credit costs decline amid a resilient economy and falling interest rates. The Bank’s capitalization is also projected to improve, supported by sustained organic growth. As of end-2024, LANDBANK reported a Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio of 15.1%, well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' minimum requirement of 10.25%, reflecting strong capital buffers that support its lending capacity. Advancing Financial Resilience As the country’s largest Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) and the biggest credit provider to the agriculture sector and its value chain, among other key economic sectors, LANDBANK remains committed to advancing financial inclusion and national development. With its solid capital base and improving profitability outlook, LANDBANK continues to expand its financial services, sustain credit accessibility for key industries, and reinforce its crucial role in support of the National Government’s inclusive development agenda. 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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Remote sitio farmer-turned-fishpond owner empowered by LANDBANK, DA
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.
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LANDBANK promotes habit of saving, rewards clients in IpoNalo Promo
LANDBANK continues to empower clients by promoting savings and rewarding lucky depositors through its IpoNalo Raffle Promo, which culminated in a grand draw on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2025. Designed to encourage Filipinos to develop better saving habits, the IpoNalo Raffle Promo ran from 3 July 2024 to 31 January 2025, offering clients the dual advantage of growing their savings while earning raffle entries for a chance to win prizes. A total of 36 winners received premium Apple gadgets, including iPads, iPhones, and MacBook Airs, while three major prize winners took home ₱250,000, ₱500,000, and ₱1,000,000. The full list of winners will be posted on LANDBANK’s official Facebook page, and all winners will be notified directly through their registered contact details. “The overwhelming response to the IpoNalo Raffle Promo highlights the growing appreciation of Filipinos for the value of saving. We are thrilled to be a part of your financial journey towards securing a brighter and more secure future. With IpoNalo 2.0, we aim to encourage even more clients to prioritize financial security while rewarding their commitment to saving,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The IpoNalo Raffle Promo delivered outstanding results bringing in more than 15,000 new private accounts, which contributed ₱20 billion in deposits. In total, the promo generated ₱97 billion in new deposits across individual, corporate, and other accounts. Likewise, the Promo grew LANDBANK’s total Average Daily Balance (ADB) to over ₱240 billion, reinforcing the program’s effectiveness in encouraging Filipinos to save more and build financial security. Bigger rewards with IpoNalo 2.0 Building on the success of the initial promo, LANDBANK has launched the IpoNalo 2.0, offering even bigger prizes to encourage more Filipinos to save. Running from 1 February to 31 July 2025, the promo will give participants a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Innova Zenix, along with cash prizes of ₱1,000,000 and ₱500,000. All new and existing private individual and institutional LANDBANK deposit account holders can earn e-raffle tickets and join the LANDBANK IpoNalo 2.0 by increasing their deposits in their LANDBANK accounts from 01 February to 31 July 2025. The e-raffle draw will be on 14 August 2025. The IpoNalo Raffle Promo reflects LANDBANK’s commitment to innovate and implement programs that encourage financial discipline and saving among Filipinos. 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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LANDBANK, Yovel East partner to scale up accessible agri financing
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) and Yovel East Research and Development, Inc. President and CEO James P. Amparo (3rd from left) formalize a collaboration to empower Filipino farmers with accessible financing for innovative farming solutions on 14 January 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. Joining them as witnesses are Go Negosyo Founder and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III (2nd from left), Go Negosyo-KALAP Senior Adviser and former Agriculture Secretary Dr. William D. Dar (leftmost), and LANDBANK officials Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (5th from left) and First Vice President Eden B. Japitana (rightmost). In line with promoting modern and sustainable agriculture, LANDBANK and Yovel East Research and Development, Inc. (Yovel East) have recently partnered to further intensify support for Filipino farmers through accessible and increased financing and greater private-sector collaboration. The partnership is set to expand the reach and impact of the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program—designed to provide holistic and strategic support for key players in the agricultural value chain—and assist Yovel East in managing clustered farms to deliver comprehensive assistance to its farmer-beneficiaries. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Yovel East President and CEO James P. Amparo formalized the partnership on 14 January 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. Present as witnesses were Go Negosyo Founder and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, Go Negosyo-KALAP Senior Adviser and former Agriculture Secretary Dr. William D. Dar, and LANDBANK officials Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and First Vice President Eden B. Japitana. “At LANDBANK, we believe that financial assistance is just one piece of the puzzle in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Our mission extends to providing comprehensive support across the entire agricultural ecosystem,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Under the partnership, Yovel East will serve as an anchor firm for the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program and endorse potential borrowers to LANDBANK, while promoting technology-driven pre- and post-harvest facilities. Yovel East, a leading agricultural enterprise in the Philippines, is transforming rice production through its innovative "WeWillRice Program," which delivers a fully integrated, end-to-end rice production process for clustered farms. The Program facilitates the buyback of palay and manages the wholesale or retail marketing of produce, which ensures stable markets, promotes efficiency, and maximizes benefits for farmers. “Providing sustainability and consistency is always the thing that we want to achieve. Through this partnership, Yovel East assures that we will further expand the reach of AGRISENSO Plus and our WeWillRice Program to help more farmers,” said Yovel East President and CEO James Amparo. For its part, LANDBANK will be extending to eligible partners endorsed by Yovel East the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program that provides affordable financing to small farmers and fishers, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), and the whole agriculture value chain, aimed at bolstering nationwide food security and sufficiency. As of December 2024, the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus has supported 3,346 farmers with an outstanding loan portfolio amounting to P494.8 million. LANDBANK remains committed to its mandate of promoting agriculture, fisheries and rural development, and empowering all players of the agriculture value chain and their communities towards a brighter future. 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 opens ‘phygital’ branch in Manila, eyes nationwide rollout
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) and Deputy Treasurer of the Philippines Ma. Nanette C. Diaz (5th from left) lead the inauguration of the LANDBANK Makati Business Center - Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch in Makati City on 30 January 2025. Joining them are (from L-R) PDIC President and CEO Robert B. Tan, LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, GCG officials Commissioner Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka, Chairman Atty. Marius P. Corpus, and Commissioner Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, and Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Undersecretary Jose Edwiniel C. Guilas. MAKATI CITY – LANDBANK opened its first ‘phygital’ branch in Metro Manila as part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of modernized branches to provide Filipinos more accessible and innovative financial services. The LANDBANK Makati Business Center – Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch, located in Robinsons Summit Center on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, combines physical and digital services for a more streamlined, seamless, and delightful customer experience. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Deputy Treasurer of the Philippines Ma. Nanette C. Diaz led the inauguration rites for the LANDBANK Makati Business Center – Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch on 30 January 2025. Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Chair Atty. Marius P. Corpus and Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President and CEO Robert B. Tan also graced the event. “Our phygital branches represent a bold and timely step forward in bridging traditional banking with digital innovation. This reflects LANDBANK’s commitment to empower Filipinos by delivering accessible, customer-focused, and inclusive financial services,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. This latest upgraded branch is LANDBANK’s eighth phygital branch, as the Bank plans to inaugurate at least 30 more phygital branches nationwide by the end of the year. Transforming the Branch Experience LANDBANK phygital branches feature a refreshed look with self-service machines, new queuing and tellering systems, meeting pods, and interactive zones. Each branch has a dedicated phygital ambassador to assist and guide customers to the machines or areas suitable to their needs, ensuring personalized support. Over-the-counter transactions in LANDBANK phygital branches are also simplified through the LANDBANK Easy Access (LEA) system, which eliminates the need to fill out forms. Account opening is initiated through the Digital Online Banking System (DOBS), accessible via the DOBS Corners in the branch or via the LANDBANK website for added convenience. Meanwhile, the Explore Zone offers clients the opportunity to learn more about LANDBANK’s wide range of financial products and services designed to help them achieve their financial goals. The meeting pods are specifically designed for consultations with LANDBANK marketing officers, providing clients with personalized guidance on how to maximize the benefits of the Bank’s offerings. The phygital branches are likewise equipped with automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash deposit machines (CDMs) that offer card and cardless transaction options. Soon, LANDBANK phygital branches will introduce additional features, including self-service passbook updating and ATM card issuance and updating, ATM withdrawal via quick response (QR) code, and access to DOBS via mobile and web with automatic scheduling for account opening. As LANDBANK sets its sights on broader nationwide expansion, the phygital branch model underscores its commitment to leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion and customer satisfaction. Customers can also open a savings account online through the straight-through account opening feature of the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), without visiting a branch. The LANDBANK MBA is a free application that offers seamless and convenient online fund transfers, bills payments, and balance inquiries, among others. 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. LANDBANK operates 607 branches and branch-lite units and 60 lending centers nationwide, complemented by 3,229 ATMs, 238 CDMs, 1,130 LANDBANKasama partners, and an additional 3,449 ATMs in partner 7-11 convenience stores.
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LANDBANK rolls out capacity-building initiative to empower agri players
LANDBANK, alongside government and private partners, and AGRISENSO Plus farmer-borrowers, launch the LANDBANK ASCEND capacity-building program that aims to support at least 10,000 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide annually starting in 2025. LAL-LO, Cagayan — In line with its continuing mission to boost the agriculture sector and accelerate rural development, LANDBANK launched a comprehensive capacity-building program to equip agricultural players with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed for sustained growth and success. The LANDBANK Agri-Fishery Support thru Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development (ASCEND) Program addresses the critical need for tailored interventions among agricultural stakeholders to ensure productive and profitable agri-business ventures, in line with Republic Act 11901 or “The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development (AFRD) Financing Enhancement Act of 2022.” Under the LANDBANK ASCEND, the Bank targets to support at least 10,000 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) nationwide annually starting in 2025. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, alongside National Government partners Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office II Director Primo C. Lara, with local partner Lal-lo Vice Mayor Maria Olivia B. Pascual, led the ASCEND Program’s launch on 24 January 2025 at Lal-lo Municipal Gymnasium. The event gathered around 1,000 agriculture stakeholders from Cagayan and key representatives from other government and private partners, including the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), AGREA Agricultural Communities International Foundation, Inc. (AGREA), and LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation Inc. (LCDFI). “With LANDBANK ASCEND, we aim to elevate the livelihoods of local agricultural producers, empowering them to maximize their full potential and actively contribute to national economic growth. This complements our continued efforts to provide accessible financial assistance and other meaningful support interventions across the agriculture value chain,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. The LANDBANK ASCEND Program delivers holistic support through six integrated components. The Training and Upskilling component provides technical training to strengthen individual and organizational capabilities, while the Digital Financial Literacy component equips beneficiaries with essential skills for more effective financial management. The Program also employs Stakeholder Mapping to classify beneficiaries based on their capacity levels and financing access. Insights from this process will be utilized in Module Development to create customized training materials. The modes of training delivery include classroom sessions, virtual platforms, hands-on activities, demonstrations, coaching, and mentorships. To ensure sustainable outcomes, the Program incorporates a Monitoring and Evaluation component to assess the effectiveness of training modules and track the progress of beneficiaries. Additionally, the Market Linkage component connects beneficiaries to market opportunities through business clustering and other schemes. LANDBANK ASCEND serves as the capacity-building component of the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Program, which features expanded eligibility, lower interest rates, and simplified loan process to provide broader access to credit and other support interventions for all players in the agriculture value chain. Eligible beneficiaries of the LANDBANK ASCEND include ARBs, duly registered farmers, as well as members of their household and their micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and agrarian reform communities. Interested participants may visit any LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch, or contact LANDBANK’s Customer Service Hotline at 028405700 for more details. 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 operates a total of 10 branches and branch-lite units and a lending center in Cagayan, complemented by 57 automated teller machines (ATMs), seven cash deposit machines (CDMs), 27 LANDBANKasama partners, and additional 16 ATMs in partner 7-11 convenience stores.
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SRA, LANDBANK empower sugarcane farmers with expanded credit access
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (3rd from left) and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona (4th from left) lead the signing of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Socialized Credit Program under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SCP-SIDA) on 16 December 2024 at the SRA Sugar Center Building, North Avenue Diliman, Quezon City. The streamlining of the Program's processes aims to provide more accessible and affordable credit support, in line with the Bank's commitment to empowering Filipino sugarcane farmers and boosting the country's agriculture sector. As of end-November 2024, LANDBANK has approved loans under the SCP-SIDA amounting to P1.32 billion, benefitting over 4,000 individual borrowers, including six block farms and four common service centers nationwide. Joining the event are LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (2nd from left), Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso N. Atayde (leftmost), together with SRA Board Members Ma. Mitzi V. Mangwag (2nd from right) and David Andrew L. Sanson (rightmost). 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 welcomes RCEF extension until 2031
LANDBANK welcomed the recent passage of Republic Act No. 11954 as amendment to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), and expressed full support for the extension of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for another seven years, aimed to accelerate modernization in the rice sector and strengthen the resilience and productivity of Filipino rice farmers. As one of the implementers of RCEF in partnership with Department of Agriculture (DA), LANDBANK delivers credit assistance at low-interest rates with simplified processes to ensure accessibility for individual rice farmers and cooperatives in major rice producing provinces. Under the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF), LANDBANK has extended P2.89 billion in loans to support rice production and post-harvest activities from 2019 to 2024. LANDBANK’s loans have benefitted 17,767 individual rice farmers and 270 cooperatives with more than 47,100 member-beneficiaries, which were channeled for palay production, milling and trading, re-lending, and the acquisition of farm machineries. Notably, 98% of LANDBANK’s direct borrowers under the program are individual rice farmers. “LANDBANK fully supports the RCEF extension towards strengthening our collective efforts to empowering Filipino rice farmers and boosting agricultural competitiveness. This significant step will bolster food security and sustainability, and the Bank stands ready to continue its active role in supporting this initiative,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. LANDBANK has remained faithful to its social mandate of promoting inclusive and sustainable development as the biggest credit provider to the agriculture sector servicing all components of the agriculture value chain. As of October 2024, the Bank has extended outstanding loans amounting to P769.68 billion in support of agriculture, fisheries and rural development under Republic Act No. 11901, otherwise known as “The Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022.” LANDBANK’s investments in promoting countryside development of P769.68 billion represents 55.5% of the Bank’s total P1.387 trillion gross loan portfolio. The Bank has also assisted a total of 3.93 million small farmers and fishers nationwide through loans and various support interventions. 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 maintains top GOCC status, bags multiple governance awards
Director Virginia N. Orogo (5th from right) accepts the award on behalf of LANDBANK for being the top GOCC in corporate governance for 2023 from Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin (6th from right), GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus (7th from right), and GCG Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka (8th from right) and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez (rightmost) during the 2024 GCG Awards Ceremony on 25 November 2024 at the PICC Complex in Pasay City. Joining them are LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (4th from right), Senior Vice President Atty. Roderick P. Sacro (leftmost), and Vice Presidents Atty. Myra-Lyn S. Peñalosa (3rd from right), May D. Arizabal (2nd from right), and Atty. Nikkolas G. Tolentino (9th from right). (Photo credits to GCG) LANDBANK was named the top government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) for the second consecutive year, earning the highest rating for corporate governance in 2023 from the Governance Commission of GOCCs (GCG). The state-run Bank garnered an unprecedented rating of 104% on the GCG’s Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS), exceeding the rating ceiling of 100%. The CGS is an evaluation tool that assesses the corporate governance practices of GOCCs, using a methodology aligned with international standards. “Being recognized anew as the top GOCC for corporate governance reflects LANDBANK’s steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service. This recognition drives us further to continuously foster a culture of good governance, ensuring that we remain a reliable and trusted partner in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the nation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, alongside GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus and Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, conferred the award to LANDBANK during the 2024 GCG Awards Ceremony at the PICC Complex in Pasay City. LANDBANK Director Virginia N. Orogo received the award on behalf of the Bank, along with Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, Senior Vice President Atty. Roderick P. Sacro, and Vice Presidents Atty. Myra-Lyn S. Peñalosa, May D. Arizabal, and Atty. Nikkolas G. Tolentino. LANDBANK also ranked among the top-ranking GOCCs in the 2023 GCG Performance Evaluation System (PES), which measures the achievements of GOCCs based on performance criteria, targets, and weighted indicators outlined in the Performance Scorecard. In addition, LANDBANK received a Sustainability Award for its outstanding commitment to sustainability values and practices. The Bank was further lauded for consistently achieving high scores in the "Responsibilities of the Board" section of the Corporate Governance Scorecard and for adhering to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards in its Sustainability Reporting for calendar years 2021 to 2023. LANDBANK has long been committed to upholding the highest ethical standards while faithfully fulfilling its role in nation-building. In 2024, the Bank remitted a record-setting P32.119 billion in cash dividends to the National Government—the highest in the Bank’s history and among all GOCCs—to support the country’s priority infrastructure projects and socio-economic programs. From governance to sustainability, LANDBANK continues to set benchmarks for excellence in the public sector, solidifying its role as a key and reliable partner in empowering the country’s drive toward inclusive progress. 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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