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LANDBANK lists P5-B Sustainability Bonds on PDEx
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) successfully listed its P5 billion maiden offering of Sustainability Bonds on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx) during a virtual ceremony held on November 17. The issuance was more than five times oversubscribed, with total bids reaching P16.6 Billion, leading to an increase in the total issue size from P3 Billion to P5 Billion. LANDBANK closed the offer period on its very first day of offering last October 26, 2020 given the overwhelming market demand for the issue. “Amidst the backdrop of a recovering economic environment, we are pleased with the strong investor confidence in LANDBANK’s stable financial position. The strong interest is also a clear reflection of the conscious and growing demand for environmental and socially responsible programs and initiatives that LANDBANK promotes,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The LANDBANK Sustainability Bonds were priced at a coupon rate of 2.5872% per annum, payable quarterly, the lowest rate among comparable issuers. It has a tenor of two years, maturing in 2022. The minimum investment amount is P50,000 and in multiples of P10,000 thereafter. The Sustainability Bonds are designed to finance various loan programs that support sustainable green and social projects in accordance with LANDBANK’s Sustainable Finance Framework. Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) is the Sole Arranger and Bookrunner of the bonds, as well as co-Selling Agent with LANDBANK. For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
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LANDBANK offers online placements for ‘Premyo Bonds 2’
Investing in government securities has been made available online, as state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) offers online channels to allow the general public to safely and conveniently invest in the recently launched one-year peso-dominated “Premyo Bonds Para Sa Bayan 2” (Premyo Bonds 2) of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). The event launch and investors’ briefing last November 11 was led by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon. They were joined by top executives from partner banks and institutions in both private and public sectors, including LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo, and OFBank President and CEO Leila C. Martin. “We have seen a growing public interest for the Premyo Bonds, and by making available online channels, more Filipinos both here and abroad will be able invest in government securities. While they earn from their investments, they will also have the chance to win prizes during the quarterly draws,” said LANDBANK President Borromeo. Aside from over-the-counter placements at all LANDBANK branches, interested Premyo Bonds 2 investors may access the BTr’s Online Ordering System at www.treasury.gov.ph, and settle the payment via LANDBANK’s online payment facility, Link.BizPortal, free of charge. LANDBANK is also giving Filipinos abroad a platform to participate in Premyo Bonds 2 offering through the mobile banking application of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), the Bank’s digital-only branchless bank subsidiary. Through the OFBank Mobile Banking App (MBA), Filipinos across the world may invest in Premyo Bonds 2 in as fast as five minutes or less through their smartphones. The use of the App, which can be accessed 24/7, is also free of charge. The OFBank MBA accepts placements of up to P500,000 per transaction. For investments more than this amount, investors may do multiple transactions as long as each transaction is up to P500,000 only. Similar to those issued last year, Premyo Bonds 2 are sold at only P500 each. These low-risk government securities have an interest rate of 1.25% per annum, subject to a 20% final tax. The offer period for Premyo Bonds 2 will run until December 11, 2020, with settlement on December 16. Proceeds from the issuance will be used to fund government programs on the response for the COVID-19 crisis, education and healthcare, among others. On top of quarterly interest payments, investors of Premyo Bonds 2 will have the chance to win cash rewards of over P1 million, as well as brand new cars during the quarterly rewards draws. Each P500 investment entitles the eligible bondholder one bond unit with Electronic Rewards Number (eRN), which will serve as one entry in the quarterly draws. National Treasurer De Leon said that the Premyo Bonds issuance aims to familiarize more Filipinos with government securities, while getting them into the habit of investing and helping the government expand its financing footprint in the retail sector. She added that investors with P20,000 or below will be qualified for a special rewards draw with 20 winners of P50,000 each per quarter. For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
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LANDBANK inaugurates first ATM in Pola, Oriental Mindoro
(Photos courtesy of LGU) Pola Mayor Jennifer M. Cruz (2nd from left) and LANDBANK Pinamalayan Branch Head Ferdinand E. Abas (3rd from left) lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting during the inauguration of the first ATM in the Municipality of Pola. POLA, Oriental Mindoro – Computerized banking reached the third-class municipality of Pola in Oriental Mindoro with the inauguration last October 19, 2020 of the very first automated teller machine (ATM) located at the Pola Community College Center. The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pola launched the ATM unit, led by Pola Mayor Jennifer M. Cruz and LANDBANK Pinamalayan Branch Head Ferdinand E. Abas in a special flag raising ceremony. The installation of the new ATM is part of LANDBANK’s aggressive thrust to promote financial inclusion and bring banking services closer to remote municipalities in the country. This brings the number of ATMs in Oriental Mindoro to 25, complementing three (3) LANDBANK branches in the province – LANDBANK Calapan Branch serving the Municipalities of Calapan, Baco, San Teodoro, Puerto Galera, Naujan, and Victoria; LANDBANK Pinamalayan Branch serving the municipalities of Pinamalayan, Pola, Bongabong, Bansud, Gloria, Socorro and Concepcion in the province of Romblon; and LANDBANK Roxas Mindoro Branch serving the municipalities of Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao. In her speech, Mayor Cruz acknowledged and expressed her gratitude to LANDBANK on behalf of the LGU, for the Bank’s contribution to the development of their community. She added that the newly-installed ATM would be beneficial to her constituents, especially to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, who needs to travel to other nearby towns to withdraw their government cash assistance due to the unavailability of ATMs in the area. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the lead government agency of the program with LANDBANK as the designated distribution agency. The new ATM, located at Pola Community College, is now available to serve clients and government beneficiaries. For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
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Agusan del Sur LGU hopes to level up with P392-M loan from LANDBANK
The local government of Rosario in Agusan del Sur recently availed of LANDBANK’s RISE UP LGUs Lending Program to finance the acquisition of heavy equipment, purchase of land, and construction of public terminal and public market. ROSARIO, Agusan del Sur – The local government unit (LGU) of Rosario in Agusan del Sur has sought the assistance of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to finance priority projects amounting to P392 million under the Bank’s Restoration and Invigoration Package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards Upgrowth for LGUs (RISE UP LGUs) Lending Program. Part of the projects to be financed by LANDBANK for this 2nd class municipality are the acquisition of heavy equipment, purchase of land for local development, and construction of a public terminal and market. “We are honored and excited to partner with the Rosario LGU as we see their dedication in assisting our stakeholders, which are the farmers. We hope that, in a way, this will contribute in cushioning the effect of this pandemic to the local economy,” said LANDBANK CARAGA South Lending Center Head Arnel M. Caalim. Additionally, the LGU is looking to purchase one six-wheeler and one 10-wheeler trucks for its logistical requirements, as well as a dump truck and a garbage compactor with auto-loader for better disposal and segregation of waste materials. The heavy equipment are seen to reduce operational expenses and provide additional income to the local coffers as these can be rented-out to neighboring LGUs. Meanwhile, the development of their public terminal and market will also help Rosario farmers augment their income since more consumers will be able to reach them while cheaper market stall rentals can be offered to them. “We would like to thank LANDBANK for being a partner of LGU Rosario in pursuing our dreams especially in our quest for developmental projects that will benefit our constituents, provide their basic needs, promote health and public safety and hopefully improve our economic stability,” said Rosario Municipal Mayor Jupiter Abulog. A LANDBANK depositor since the 1990s, Rosario LGU is hoping to further strengthen its partnership with the Bank in terms of providing accessible financial channels to their people. “We are also looking forward to the installation of a LANDBANK ATM in our office since this will be the first one in the entire municipality. Currently, we still have to travel to our neighboring municipality if we want to withdraw or deposit cash from the machine so this will really be helpful to our people,” Mayor Abulog added. RISE UP LGUs Lending Program is a new offering of LANDBANK to local governments that aims to facilitate the regional and local development in its area by integrating the different players in the agricultural value-chain, and finance other innovative programs of LGUs which can bring back the confidence of its constituents in the local economy. Interested borrowers of the LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs Lending Program may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
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LANDBANK delivers cash cards, financial literacy to rail project beneficiaries
MABALACAT, Pampanga – Residents affected by the 148-kilometer Clark-Calamba Railway (also known as the North-South Commuter Railway or NSCR) Extension Project have started receiving cash cards and financial literacy trainings from state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). The LANDBANK Dau Branch led by Acting Head Noreen Polintan (left photo) distributed LANDBANK Cash Cards to an initial 40 beneficiaries last October 16, while all 21 beneficiaries in the locality (right photo), who were endorsed and identified by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), attended a financial literacy forum last October 12. Under the NSCR Project’s Resettlement Action Plan Entitlements Distribution Mechanism—in partnership with the DOTr and the Philippine National Railways (PNR)—LANDBANK serves as the distribution agent that will facilitate the delivery of non-housing cash entitlements to 21,000 identified Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) residing along the railway’s right-of-way from Malolos in Bulacan to Clark in Pampanga, then from Tutuban in Manila to Calamba in Laguna. LANDBANK is also tasked to ensure that the beneficiaries will make use of the cash entitlements wisely by holding orientations and distributing printed materials on financial literacy. For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
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LANDBANK inaugurates Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite
Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia (3rd from left) and LANDBANK Central Luzon Branches Group Head First Vice President Sylvia C. Lim (4th from left) lead the official inauguration of the new LANDBANK Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite at The Bunker in Balanga City, Bataan. Joining them are (from left to right) LANDBANK Balanga Branch Head Nenita C. Lopez, Bataan Vice-Governor Ma. Cristina M. Garcia, Balanga Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia, and LANDBANK Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite Head Mark Michael Y. Apaya. BALANGA, Bataan – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) officially inaugurated on October 28, 2020 the Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite as it continues to expand its branch network to provide banking services to the public despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the opening of the LANDBANK Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite, the state-run bank now operates 411 branches and extension offices strategically located across the country’s 81 provinces. This is complemented by 51 Lending Centers and 2,263 ATMs nationwide. “LANDBANK remains aggressive in bringing banking services closer to unbanked and underserved areas in the country. During these challenging times, Filipinos need safer, faster and more convenient access to financial services. We are committed in fulfilling this, while ensuring the health and safety of our clients and personnel,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The inauguration was led by Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia and LANDBANK Central Luzon Branches Group Head First Vice President Sylvia C. Lim. They were joined by Bataan Vice-Governor Ma. Cristina M. Garcia, Balanga Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia, LANDBANK Balanga Branch Head Nenita C. Lopez, and LANDBANK Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite Head Mark Michael Y. Apaya. The LANDBANK Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite will serve as an extension office of the Balanga Branch to help provide banking services to the entire province of Bataan, the 25 barangays of the City of Balanga, and various government agencies. This first LANDBANK branch-lite in the province is also expected to service the 236 farmers from Balanga, as well as the 1,025 beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Listahan and Social Pension programs. “With the City of Balanga’s steady progress through the years, it is but fitting that we at LANDBANK strengthen our presence here. Through this branch-lite, we hope to further contribute to the growth and development of Balanga and the entire Province of Bataan,” said LANDBANK FVP Lim. “Natutuwa po ako na nandito na ang LANDBANK to support us. Thank you very much for your continued partnership, trust, and confidence for the City of Balanga, the Province of Bataan, and our people,” Bataan Governor Garcia said, noting that having a LANDBANK branch in the area helps promote stability and symbolizes a bright future. The LANDBANK Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite will also play a significant part in the Province of Bataan’s vision of creating a “One-Stop-Shop” business center that houses national and local government offices, along with banks and other commercial establishments. LANDBANK clients of the Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite will enjoy the convenience of the Digital Onboarding System (DOBS), a web application that makes the accomplishment of account enrolment forms easier and reduces account opening time to only 10 to15 minutes. Opening an account through DOBS allows automatic enrollment to LANDBANK iAccess for internet banking, the LANDBANK Mobile App for convenient banking transactions through smartphones, and the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal for payment of bills, products and services to the enrolled merchants. LANDBANK now operates a total of five branches in Bataan, with the Bataan Capitol Branch-Lite and Balanga Branch complementing operations in Mariveles, Dinalupihan and Limay. A total of 22 LANDBANK ATMs are also spread across the province to facilitate fast, safe and timely cash transfers and withdrawals for Bataaeños.
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Vendor group transforms to become premier co-op with own line of pineapple-based products
Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative officers led by General Manager Mario Espeso (6th from left) with LANDBANK Officers and staff led by Senior Vice President Lucila E. Tesorero (5th from left). (inset) Workers process freshly-picked pineapples into world-class products. LABO, Camarines Norte – From its humble beginnings as a small group of public market vendors who started a paluwagan (an informal savings-and-lending group) back in 1987, the Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LPMPC) has since grown to become one of the largest cooperatives in Camarines Norte and a leading force in pineapple farming and trading in the province. The co-op’s turning point happened in 1995 when a powerful typhoon devastated the province. It was also that year when its partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) came into fruition. “When typhoon Rosing tore down LPMPC’s office that year, LANDBANK helped us out with a loan to purchase the 1.3-hectare piece of land where our new office now proudly stands,” recalled General Manager Mario Espeso. Today, LPMPC’s main headquarters now features a training center and several other buildings for its financing and agribusiness projects such as organic fertilizer, virgin coconut oil, and handmade paper production. LPMPC is a recognized pioneer in integrated pineapple production and processing. Knowing fully well the importance of value chain, the group purchases pineapples produced by farmer-members which are then processed into various pineapple products under the brand name “Queench”. The Queench line includes pineapple juice drinks, jams, dried pineapple, and jellies. Trained LPMPC craftsmen also produce pineapple fiber from the leaves that are then made into handmade paper and hand-woven cloth marketed as Formosa Manos. Even at the height of the government-imposed lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 health crisis, LPMPC continued to safely buy the produce of farmer-members or match them with buyers. This provided its members a steady source of income, the pandemic notwithstanding. LPMPC also provides job opportunities for locals, hiring employees for their credit and savings operations, and workers for the various agri-enterprises, including weavers and hand scrapers of pineapple leaves. Inmates of three (3) nearby district jails serve as fiber knotters and are given an extra source of income while serving time. The co-op has expanded to include four branches and one satellite office across the province catering to its more than 7,000 members. It also took over the management of the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, the Provincial Agricultural Trading Center in Camarines Norte. Over the last 25 years, LANDBANK serves as one of LPMPC’s major partners in growth. Aside from financing the co-op’s working capital requirements, LANDBANK—through its subsidiary, the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI)—conducts free capacity-building seminars and offers skills training and cooperative management scholarships for members. LANDBANK recognizes the importance of co-ops in local development, particularly in the agriculture sector. As of August 2020, the Bank’s outstanding agricultural loans reached P224.66 billion, of which P20.86 billion was extended to 1,081 cooperatives and farmers’ associations. For more information about the LANDBANK’s Lending Programs, contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
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LANDBANK loans to LGUs hit P51.3B as of Sept.
Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has extended a total of P51.3 billion in outstanding loans to 639 local government units (LGUs) as of end-September 2020, as it ramps up support to the LGU sector which are the frontline entities tasked to lead in the recovery efforts post Covid-19. Part of this amount was made available through LANDBANK’s RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program, which was launched in July, to support LGUs in the implementation of their local economic recovery plans In an online webinar, "Tapping Credit Financing for Robust Local Economic Growth: Successful LGU Ventures and Innovations," held last October 28, LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo reiterated the solid partnership between the Bank and LGUs, and its impact to Filipino families and communities across the country. The virtual event, hosted by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) under the Department of Finance (DOF), forms part of the BLGF’s 33rd Anniversary Learning Session series entitled, “BLGF i3: Information, Inspiration, Insights.” “Working together is not something new to LANDBANK and LGUs. As early as 1992, LANDBANK resumed lending to LGUs after the enactment of the LGU Code in 1991. We recognized that LGUs are catalysts for positive change by bringing sustainable development in your respective localities,” President Borromeo said, referring to local executives present in the session. Alongside extending loans, LANDBANK also serves as the primary depository bank of LGUs. All 81 provinces, 146 cities, and 1,478 out of the 1,488 municipalities in the country maintain deposit accounts with LANDBANK. President Borromeo said that the Bank has been working hard to have the remaining 10 municipalities included in the LANDBANK ecosystem by the end of the year. LANDBANK also provides digital payment platforms to help LGUs boost their collection rate. As of September 2020, a total of P226.7 million in Real Property Taxes, Real Estate Taxes and business permit payments from 126 LGUs were collected and facilitated through the LANDBANK Electronic Payment Portal and Express Payment System. The LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs Lending Program is made available to eligible LGUs at a loan amount depending on their project requirements, provided that the total loan exposure (including the proposed loan under the program) should not be more than its Net Borrowing Capacity per BLGF computation or certification. “This is a very good time for the LGUs to consider accessing the credit facilities or the lending programs of the GFIs (Government Financial Institutions), because we are now experiencing a very low interest rate regime,” President Borromeo said during the session’s open forum. Under Republic Act 11494 or the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act,” the Bank has also been allotted a P1-billion interest subsidy for new and existing loans secured by LGUs.
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LANDBANK earns int’l awards for climate financing, digital innovation
Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) bagged two awards for its outstanding development projects on climate financing and digital account opening at the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) Development Awards 2020. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Program of the state-owned bank was adjudged as the winner under the Environmental Development category, while its Digital Onboarding System (DOBS) was bestowed with a Merit Award under the Technology Development category. The awards were presented to LANDBANK during the 43rd ADFIAP Virtual Annual Meeting held on October 28-29, 2020. “We at LANDBANK always strive to go the extra mile in fulfilling our mission of delivering timely and responsive financial support services to our clients, while promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. This recognition inspires us to constantly do more and work harder,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The Bank’s GCF Program is an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement, dedicated to supporting global efforts to respond to the challenge of climate change. The program aims to help developing countries limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change by supporting programs and projects that promote a paradigm shift to low-emission and climate-resilient development. LANDBANK is the first and only Direct Access Entity (DAE) to the GCF in the country, and one of 76 worldwide. As a DAE, LANDBANK has the mandate to oversee, manage, monitor, and channel financing to GCF-approved projects within the Philippines’ priority projects. In November 2019, LANDBANK successfully worked for the approval of the country’s first GCF project, the Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System. The project aims to reduce the exposure of vulnerable communities to climate-induced hydrometeorological hazards, strengthen their absorptive and adaptive capacities, and implement long-term climate risk reduction and adaptation measures. LANDBANK’s DOBS is a web application that reduces account opening time from 30 minutes to only 10 minutes. It also simplifies the account enrolment process for individuals and institutional clients. Opening an account through DOBS allows automatic enrollment to LANDBANK iAccess for internet banking, the LANDBANK Mobile App for convenient banking transactions through smartphones, and the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal for payment of bills, products and services to the enrolled merchants. The DOBS is in line with LANDBANK’s thrust of promoting financial inclusion among farmers and fishers, as well as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), by providing them with an additional access point for their banking needs. From November 2018 to end of September 2020, a total of 1,039,926 accounts were opened via DOBS. Of this figure, 492,156 accounts were opened in the first nine months of the year, including the 11,972 accounts in the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), the Bank’s digital-only branchless bank subsidiary. The full implementation of DOBS in January 2019 has helped reduce lobby traffic in LANDBANK branches. The ADFIAP Development Awards is an annual awards ceremony that honors ADFIAP members who have contributed significantly to the development of their respective countries. It started in 1997 when the association hosted the “Summit on Development Finance” in the Philippines.
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LANDBANK helps island town in Bohol accelerate local development
Land Craft Transport (LCT) sea vessel “Isla de Pitogo,” which was acquired by the Municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia through a term loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), now efficiently connects the island-municipality to mainland Bohol, improving mobility and movement of commodities to and from the locality. PRESIDENT CARLOS P. GARCIA, Bohol – Before becoming an emerging municipality, Boholanos often describe this island town as a gloomy ghost town with houses lit only by makeshift gas lamps, and fishers sailing the dark sea as the only traces of human activity at night. As the only town separated from mainland Bohol, commerce in the municipality was not feasible. Residents relied only on artisanal fishing, farming and mat weaving for daily subsistence. The movement of people and commodities to and from the locality used to be risky, challenging and expensive as the only available means of sea transportation was through small outrigger pump boats. When the proposal of connecting the municipality to the mainland through a bridge proved to be impractical and too costly, the municipal government opted to acquire a Landing Craft Transport sea vessel to serve as a moving bridge. With a P55-million term loan from Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) in 2018, the municipality acquired Isla de Pitogo which can accommodate up to nine big passenger buses. On February 4, 2019, the vessel began commercial operations, and provided passengers with a safe, comfortable and affordable transportation. It also opened up the municipality to commerce and tourism, as consumer items and other goods started to pour in, including construction materials for the town’s infrastructure projects. “The landing craft sea vessel was a game changer. It became our first step to development. The vessel connected us to the rest of Bohol, and helped open up our municipality to progress and development,” said Municipal Mayor Fernando B. Estavilla. Local fishers and farmers of rice, corn, coconuts, root crops, fruits and vegetables also benefitted with the inter-island vessel in transporting their catch and produce to as far as Tagbilaran City. The operations of sea vessel also provided jobs to at least 35 residents who man the port in Barangay Popoo, and onboard the vessel. Establishments catering to the growing trade and commerce in the area also generated additional employment. One of LANDBANK’s main objectives is to support Local Government Units (LGUs) nationwide. As of September 30, 2020, LANDBANK has extended loans to LGUs amounting to P51.38 billion. A significant portion of this, or P17.25 billion, represents loans used to finance the agri-aqua projects of LGUs, including farm-to-market roads, slaughter house, and irrigation. Just recently, LANDBANK launched the RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program to help LGUs recover post COVID-19. With a program fund allocation of P20 billion, the Bank targets to finance the recovery and rehabilitation projects of provincial, city and municipal LGUs toward stronger and more resilient communities. For more information about LANDBANK’s Lending Programs, interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
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LANDBANK sets interest rate for P3-B Sustainability Bonds; closes offer period earlier than expected
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) today announced it has set the interest rate of 2.5872% for its first-ever Sustainability Bonds offer to fund environmental and social projects. During the Sustainability Bonds virtual investors' briefing held last October 21, the offer period was initially scheduled from October 26 to November 6, 2020. However, due to the very strong demand and oversubscription, LANDBANK said it is now closing the offer period on Monday, October 26, 2020. LANDBANK is looking to tap and access the capital markets to raise at least P3 Billion from the peso-denominated fixed-rate bond offering with a two-year tenor. Due in 2022, the bonds will be issued in minimum denominations of P50,000 and in multiples of P10,000 thereafter. Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) is the sole lead arranger and bookrunner, while both LANDBANK and SCB will be selling agents. LANDBANK will utilize the proceeds from the issuance to finance various loan programs that support sustainable projects such as green and social projects. Green Projects include those that contribute to environmental objectives such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural resource and biodiversity conservation, and pollution prevention and control, among others. Social Projects are ventures help address a social concern and seen to impact on people's lives. These include projects for basic infrastructure, food security, essential services, affordable housing, employment generation, and food security.
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LANDBANK helps 2.4M farmers and fishers; exceeds 2020 target by 20% as of Sept.
In line with its special focus to serve the needs of the country’s agriculture sector, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) reported that it has assisted over two million small farmers and fishers (SFFs) nationwide. As of end-September 2020, LANDBANK already assisted a total of 2,396,259 SFFs, exceeding its full-year target of two million, and more than double the 1,032,982 cumulative number of SFFs supported in 2019. About 1,630,602—accounting for 68% of the total—were provided assistance through the Bank’s regular loan offerings and lending programs jointly implemented with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Also included were the 716,897 small farmers assisted through the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) and Financial Subsidy to Rice Farmers (FSRF) Programs of the DA. The remaining 48,760 farmers were supported through the Financial Literacy Training Program of the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI) conducted in unbanked municipalities nationwide. “Three months before the end of 2020, LANDBANK already surpassed its yearend target of assisting two million small farmers and fishers nationwide. This accomplishment attests to our continuing commitment that LANDBANK, together with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reform, remains steadfast in its support to the agriculture sector,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. This is further illustrated by the continued expansion of LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to the agriculture sector, which grew by P5.68 billion from P224.66 billion in August to P230.34 billion in September 2020. Of the P230.34 billion-worth of agricultural loans, P34.97 billion were lent to small farmers and fishers, and cooperatives and farmers associations, rural financial institutions and other conduits, while P195.36 billion were provided to other players in the agribusiness value chain LANDBANK expects to further expand its agricultural loan portfolio to P245 billion by the end of the year. For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
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