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LANDBANK donates P20.9-M aid to Odette-hit LGUs
State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has allocated P20.9 million-worth of financial support for the quick recovery of 195 local government units (LGUs) from the onslaught of typhoon Odette. Of the P20.9 million financial aid, the Bank has set aside P200,000 each for affected provinces, as well as P150,000 and P100,000 each for cities and municipalities, respectively. “LANDBANK is exerting all efforts to extend immediate assistance to communities significantly affected by Typhoon Odette. Apart from ensuring cash availability and accessibility in these areas, we are also contributing to ramp-up relief and recovery interventions through our LGU partners,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Among the LGUs who have already received LANDBANK’s financial assistance include the Province of Southern Leyte; City of Maasin and Municipalities of Malitbog and Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte; and the Municipalities of Hilongos and Matalom in Leyte. Donations have also been turned over to the City of Mandaue in Cebu; City of Bais in Negros Oriental; Municipality of Tubigon in Bohol; Municipality of Jordan in Guimaras; Municipality of Hinoba-an in Negros Occidental; Municipalities of Bataraza, Brooke’s Point and Coron in Palawan; and the Municipalities of Claver and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte. On top of its financial donation to LGUs, LANDBANK has also re-activated its LANDBANK AMBAG System (Alternative Mechanism of Benevolent Assistance for the Greater good), which is a cash donation campaign for the Bank’s employees and communities significantly affected by typhoon Odette. Majority of LANDBANK branches and automated teller machines (ATMs) remain available to service the urgent banking needs of customers from affected areas. The Bank has also been working full-time to restore the availability of all its touchpoints affected by the typhoon at the soonest possible time.
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LANDBANK urges vigilance against online banking fraud
With consumers expected to do millions of pesos worth of shopping online this holiday season, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) advises its customers to remain vigilant against online banking fraud and assures that the Bank maintains the highest level of security in all its systems. “As online shopping becomes a more prudent option to limit physical contact during this season, we would like to remind our customers to be on their guard against different forms of cyber fraud. The best way to avoid becoming a fraud victim is to stay vigilant by being familiar with the online red flags,” said President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The state-run Bank warns customers to ignore suspicious emails, social media messages, SMS, links and attachments, especially from unknown senders. It also reminds customers to be wary of fake websites, social media accounts and fraudulent transactions by checking and verifying the site’s URL, the sender’s email address, social media account, or phone number. Customers are advised not to share their username or log-in ID and password to anyone, and keep critical financial information private, including the card number, card expiry date, credit verification value (CVV), and one-time password (OTP). Official LANDBANK representatives will never ask for critical financial information of its customers. Specific to raising awareness on phishing activities, customers are also advised to be wary of emails, text messages, and websites offering free perks or games in exchange for personal information, which are designed to steal customer’s hard-earned money and identity. For specific tips on spotting phishing scams, please refer to this short video from the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG): (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9fvBsOcEvE). LANDBANK said reminders and best practices to avoid cyber fraud are also being posted regularly on its social media channels. These include tips on spotting cyberattacks, preventing different forms of phishing, and keeping online credentials confidential, among others. The state-run Bank also reminds customers that the official email addresses of LANDBANK’s Customer Care and iAccess are customercare@mail.landbank.com and lbpiaccess@mail.landbank.com, respectively. The Bank’s official URL is www.landbank.com. To report fraudulent activities, LANDBANK customers may contact the Bank’s Customer Care Hotline through (02) 8-405-7000 or 1-800-10-405-7000, or via email at customercare@mail.landbank.com.
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UCPB stockholders approve LANDBANK merger plan
The stockholders of the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) have approved the merger plan with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), effectively advancing the ongoing fusion of the two government banks into a unified and stronger institution for promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Shareholders representing 97.2% of the total outstanding capital stock of UCPB voted in favor of the Plan of Merger and Articles of Merger between UCPB and LANDBANK during the UCPB stockholders meeting held on 14 December 2021. As the surviving entity of the merger, LANDBANK’s total assets will grow to close to P3.0 trillion, further solidifying its position as the country’s second-largest bank in terms of assets. As of the first nine months of the year, LANDBANK’s net income grew by 21.2% to P16.72 billion from P13.8 billion in the same period last year, raising total assets by 13.6% to P2.564 trillion from P2.257 trillion. The Bank’s capital also rose by 25.77% to P208.17 billion from P165.52 billion year-on-year. LANDBANK has also consistently complied with the Agri-Agra Law, with the Bank's agriculture loans reaching 76.95% of its total lending portfolio and 11.52% for agrarian reform credit as of December 2020. Coconut farmers and other workers in the agricultural sector stand to benefit most from LANDBANK's enhanced financial muscle, as evidenced by the Bank's consistently growing agriculture lending from P222.05 billion in 2018, to P236.31 billion in 2019, and P237.62 billion in 2020. Customers of LANDBANK and UCPB will also gain access to a wider branch and ATM network, with a combined 667 branches and 2,722 ATMs nationwide, and benefit from a wider range of products and services. “With this merger, we are looking forward to a stronger, more resilient and unified banking institution that will promote and broaden financial inclusion among Filipinos, especially those who belong to the underserved and unbanked sectors,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. LANDBANK also reiterated that it is more than capable of absorbing the financial impact of the merger with UCPB, as its assets and liabilities will similarly expand total deposits, loans, and capital. Meanwhile, LANDBANK assured the customers of both banks that deposits will remain intact and secured in their current servicing branches, as banking services will continue to be unhampered and uninterrupted, while ensuring that the rights of all shareholders are upheld and protected. The merger between LANDBANK and UCPB is pursuant to Executive Order No. 142 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on 25 June 2021, which approved the merger to form a better capitalized and more resilient institution that will play a principal role in the National Government’s development and financial inclusion agenda.
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LANDBANK, CDA lead financial trainings to help small co-ops recover
In partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is holding financial literacy trainings to small and micro cooperatives from unbanked and underserved municipalities to aid their recovery under the new normal. Through the Financial Inclusion Through Cooperatives (FIT-Coop) Program, LANDBANK is capacitating small and micro cooperatives to enhance their business operations while linking them to appropriate government agencies for the improvement of their services. For the first 10 months of the year, LANDBANK—through the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI)—has conducted nine financial literacy trainings for 18 cooperatives with 193 members from nine unbanked municipalities nationwide. “Technical assistance forms part of LANDBANK’s holistic support in service of small and micro cooperatives, especially in unbanked and underserved areas in the country. Together with the CDA, we are focused on building the resiliency of our partner-cooperatives to spur economic activity and fast-track our collective recovery,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Through the FIT-COOP Program, LANDBANK and CDA also conducted an online survey early this year to identify the specific training needs and challenges faced by small and micro cooperatives in their daily operations. Results from Central Visayas and Caraga regions showed that recurring constraints for cooperatives include slow internet access, lack of potable water systems, and difficult road conditions, among others. To help address these issues, the results of the survey were coordinated with appropriate government agencies for possible development interventions and support.
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LANDBANK scales up BIR’s push for digital tax payments
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) expressed its continuous support for the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) tax collection modernization efforts, as the Bureau launched a renewed campaign to enhance taxpayer services to be more accessible, secure, and convenient. Alongside the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other financial institutions, LANDBANK joined the BIR’s “Taxpayer FIRST” initiative, which stands for Fast, Innovative, Reliable, Secure, and Technology-driven developments to drive better tax administration. Prior to the campaign launch on 10 December 2021, LANDBANK has already been providing taxpayers with a safe, reliable, and efficient online payment solution to conveniently pay their taxes through its Link.BizPortal facility. “The LANDBANK Link.BizPortal fits BIR’s ‘Taxpayer FIRST’ campaign as it offers fast payment transactions; provides an innovative and cashless solution; round-the-clock reliability and accessibility; secure and real-time processing; and the latest technology to facilitate transactions via computers and mobile devices,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C Borromeo. The Link.BizPortal allows customers to pay tax liabilities online via the BIR or LANDBANK websites, thereby eliminating the need to wait in line at BIR regional and district offices. The Bank also underscored the sustained increase in the usage of the Link.BizPortal for tax payments, from recording 6,466 transactions in 2017 to 399,597 in 2020. For the first 10 months of 2021, the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal has successfully facilitated 530,546 tax payment transactions amounting to P1.3 billion, representing increases of 65% and 78%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Aside from tax payments, the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal also allows individuals and institutional customers to pay for various products and services online for over 800 enrolled partner-merchants nationwide. From January to October 2021, the Link.BizPortal has facilitated a total of 3.26 million transactions worth P8.38 billion, for 90% and 22% growth rates year-on-year, respectively. The upsurge is consistent across LANDBANK’s major electronic channels, which have collectively recorded a 54% rise in value, totaling an unprecedented P1.88 trillion. LANDBANK’s digital banking platforms promote efficient payment systems in support of the National Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative.
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LANDBANK Agri-Hub opens in Rizal, Nueva Ecija
(left photo) Rizal Administrator Rafaelito V. Andres (right), Rizal Vice Mayor Bonifacio D. Soliven (left), and LANDBANK Central Luzon Branches Group Head, Senior Vice President Sylvia C. Lim (center) lead the opening of the LANDBANK Rizal NE Agri-Hub (right photo) located at Pinagpanaan-Pantabangan Junction, Poblacion Sur, Rizal, Nueva Ecija. RIZAL, Nueva Ecija – In line with its commitment to serve more farmers and fishers, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) opened its newest Agri-Hub in the Municipality of Rizal, Nueva Ecija—the first one in Central Luzon. The LANDBANK Rizal NE Agri-Hub is expected to provide financial and technical services to the Bank’s customers, including the more than 3,000 farmers and fishers from the municipalities of Rizal and Pantabangan. Located strategically in the top rice-producing provinces in the country, LANDBANK Agri-Hubs are designed to deliver accessible and reliable financial services to farmers nationwide. This forms part of the Bank’s thrust of responding to the developing needs of the agriculture sector, especially under the new normal. The LANDBANK Rizal NE Agri-Hub offers banking services such as account opening, withdrawals, and check encashments; lending services such as the processing of loan applications; and agrarian services such as processing of Agrarian Reform (AR) bonds and handling of agrarian-related concerns from landowners, bondholders, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Aside from agriculture stakeholders, the Rizal NE Agri-Hub will also service various national and local government offices, private establishments, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the area. It will also offer access to various digital banking platforms, including the Digital Onboarding System (DOBS) which simplifies the account opening process for new clients to only 10 to 15 minutes. Rizal Administrator Rafaelito V. Andres and LANDBANK Central Luzon Branches Group Head, Senior Vice President Sylvia C. Lim, led the inauguration of the LANDBANK Rizal NE Agri-Hub, alongside Pantabangan Mayor Roberto T. Agdipa and Rizal Vice Mayor Bonifacio D. Soliven on 29 November 2021. Located at Pinagpanaan-Pantabangan Junction, Poblacion Sur, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, the LANDBANK Rizal Agri-Hub is headed by Bessie Grace M. Lazaro under the supervision of San Jose NE Branch Head, Manager Eva B. Gomez. The Rizal NE Agri-Hub is the 6th to open nationwide, bringing LANDBANK’s physical network to 412 branches and 69 branch-lite units, with presence in all 81 provinces in the country. The five other LANDBANK Agri-Hubs are situated in Calabanga, Camarines Sur; Barotac Viejo, Iloilo; Sual, Pangasinan; Echague, Isabela and Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. LANDBANK targets to open four more Agri-Hubs within the year, located in Bago City, Negros Occidental; Ubay, Bohol; Baggao, Cagayan; and Candaba, Pampanga. LANDBANK continues to expand its physical touchpoints to better serve the banking needs of customers across the country, especially in unbanked and underserved areas.
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P200-M LANDBANK loan to aid recovery, dev’t in Calayan, Cagayan
CALAYAN, Cagayan – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) approved a P200-million loan for the Municipal Government of Calayan to finance infrastructure projects for its development and recovery efforts, amid the ongoing health crisis. The local government acquired the financing under the LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration Package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program, designed to provide the funding requirements of provincial, city and municipal local government units (LGUs) for the implementation of their respective economic recovery plans. Part of the 15-year term loan will be used to put up a 270-square meter quarantine facility in Barangay Dadao that will expand the municipality’s healthcare capacity in a bid to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The 60-bed quarantine facility—which will feature individual partitions and lavatories—will replace schools currently being used as isolation areas for residents suspected or have tested positive for the virus. The facility is seen to enhance the comfort of patients while undergoing quarantine or treatment. “LANDBANK continues to provide for the recovery and development requirements of our partner LGUs in response to the pandemic. We are focused on ramping-up initiatives in support of building resiliency and revitalizing local communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The LANDBANK loan will also cover the construction of a perimeter security fence for Calayan’s community airport, which facilitates the delivery of vaccines and relief goods to the island, as well as the transport of patients under critical condition. As part of Calayan’s development plan, the loan will also finance the concreting of the Babuyan Main Road and the routes connecting Caanawan to Kataruman, Dibay to Dilam, and Balatubat to Minabel, effectively doubling the Municipality’s concreted road network to 60% from the current 30%. The road project is expected to reduce travel time around the island and eliminate slippery dirt roads during the rainy season, making transport safer and more efficient for locals, which includes 1,250 local farmers regularly transporting their agricultural produce. The P200-M loan will also be used to finance the acquisition of a patrol boat and construction of the following facilities: six (6) classrooms in different schools, one (1) school administrative building, and a 100-meter bridge in Brgy. Naguilian to help farmers safely transport their produce across a creek. “Thank you to LANDBANK for being a reliable partner of LGUs in socioeconomic development and for providing us with the assistance we need for our projects, especially at this difficult time,” said Calayan Mayor Joseph M. Llopis. The state-run Bank has previously financed Calayan’s other development projects, which include the purchase of a ferry which safely transports passengers from island to island, the construction of the Calayan airport, and concreting of the municipality’s road network. As of 31 October 2021, LANDBANK has approved P94.03 billion in loans under the RISE UP LGUs Lending Program for 346 LGUs, including 45 cities, 35 provinces and 266 municipalities.
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LANDBANK, DOTr-LTFRB deliver P599-M fuel subsidy to PUV operators
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has partnered anew with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to grant public utility vehicle (PUV) operators fuel subsidy under the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program. With a Program fund of P1 billion, the Bank will facilitate the crediting of a one-time subsidy of P7,200 per unit to Pantawid Pasada Fuel cards issued by LANDBANK. This is set to benefit 136,230 eligible PUV franchise holders nationwide. As of 29 November 2021, LANDBANK has credited the fuel subsidy to 83,216 existing Pantawid Pasada Fuel cards, amounting to P599.16 million. The Bank also targets to provide fuel cards to the remaining 53,014 qualified operators throughout the country. The PUV operators can use the Pantawid Pasada Fuel cards powered by LANDBANK to purchase fuel at participating petroleum outlets and gasoline stations. During the virtual launch of the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program held on 24 November 2021, LANDBANK expressed its commitment to support PUV operators currently facing reduced ridership and the persistent rise of oil prices. “In close collaboration with the DOTr and LTFRB, LANDBANK is focused on the immediate delivery of fuel subsidy to PUV operators for their unhampered deployment. We are one with support interventions to advance the country’s transportation sector, and provide the riding public safe, convenient, and continued transport services in the new normal,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program builds on the existing Service Contracting Program of DOTr-LTFRB with LANDBANK, which provides cash assistance to PUV operators to offer free rides to frontline healthcare workers and the public affected by quarantine lockdowns. As of 29 November 2021, LANDBANK has delivered a total of P3.74 billion to 50,200 PUV drivers and 383 transport operators under the Service Contracting Program, since its launch in December last year as part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. Meanwhile, for the second phase of the Service Contracting Program launched in September, LANDBANK has already disbursed a total of P2.01 billion to 389 operators of 5,753 PUVs nationwide.
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LANDBANK backs “Build Build Build” program to drive economic recovery
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines’ (LANDBANK) quick and efficient market value assessment of properties has been contributing to speed up the completion of various infrastructure projects under the National Government’s flagship “Build Build Build” program. As of 31 October 2021, LANDBANK has completed the right-of-way appraisals of 19,214 properties nationwide as part of 142 infrastructure projects. Of which, 127 projects are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) covering 7,075 lots, with the 15 remaining projects implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) consisting of 2,565 lots and 9,574 structures or improvements. “LANDBANK fully supports the National Government’s ‘Build Build Build’ program by fast-tracking right-of-way acquisitions. We will continue to contribute to the country’s infrastructure agenda to drive our ongoing economic recovery, geared towards attracting foreign investments and creating more jobs,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. DPWH-implemented projects with properties appraised by LANDBANK include the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road in the City of Manila; the C5 Southlink Expressway in Parañaque City; the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase V in Quezon City, Marikina City and San Mateo, Rizal; the Meycauayan-Camalig-Bahay Pari Road Widening in Meycauayan, Bulacan; the Tagaytay Bypass Road in Cavite; and the Alicia-Malangas Road in Zamboanga Sibugay. LANDBANK also facilitated the right-of-way appraisals for DOTr’s North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) Project, which include five clusters in Pampanga and Bulacan, one cluster in the City of Manila, and five clusters in Laguna; as well as the Metro Manila Subway Project in Quezon City and Valenzuela City, among others. The Bank is currently conducting appraisals for 68 DPWH projects covering 2,513 lots, as well as four DOTr projects with 999 lots and 2,989 structures or improvements. LANDBANK’s technical assistance in conducting property appraisals for the National Government’s infrastructure projects is part of the Memoranda of Agreement signed with the DPWH on 14 October 2019 and with the DOTr on 28 October 2020, to expedite the acquisition of right-of-way claims. LANDBANK is one with the nation’s infrastructure development agenda towards advancing inclusive and sustainable economic recovery.
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LANDBANK cash grant payouts reach P89-B as of September
In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) continues to deliver timely financial assistance as it released P89.45 billion in cash grants that benefitted 6.3 million lowincome families as of the first nine months of 2021. Of the total releases, P82.72 billion in cash grants were distributed to 4.4 million beneficiaries under the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program, intended to support poor households with children aged 18 years old and below. The remaining P6.73 billion was released to 1.9 million beneficiaries under the DSWD’s Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Program, as part of support interventions in line with the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. “LANDBANK remains one with the National Government in the immediate delivery of social protection interventions and much-needed financial relief to vulnerable sectors. Under the whole-of-nation approach, we work closely with the DSWD and other government partners at the forefront of extending responsive and impactful services,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The Bank also continues to distribute LANDBANK cash cards to CCT and UCT beneficiaries to make receiving and accessing benefits easier and more convenient. The cards can be used for cash withdrawals at LANDBANK ATMs and Agent Banking Partners, and for cashless purchases in groceries and drugstores, among others. As of 30 September 2021, LANDBANK has produced 6.4 million cash cards for this ongoing partnership, of which 4.4 million cards are already being utilized by the beneficiaries. CCT and UCT beneficiaries may also receive their benefits via over-thecounter transactions at LANDBANK branches and through various conduits. LANDBANK is relentless in fulfilling its expanded mandate as the delivery arm for the National Government’s social protection initiatives, in line with serving the Filipino people and the nation at large.
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Retail Treasury Bonds purchase made accessible via LANDBANK app
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has made investing in the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) 26th tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB-26) more accessible with the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA). The RTB-26 is a five-and-a-half-year bond with a coupon rate of 4.625% per annum designed for retail investors as a low-risk and higher-yielding savings instrument. Proceeds of the offer that is expected to reach P30 billion will support the National Government’s ongoing pandemic response initiatives and priority projects, among others. Through the LANDBANK MBA, interested investors can purchase RTB-26 for as low as P5,000 and in multiples of P5,000 thereafter in as fast as five minutes. This feature is also available in the Mobile Banking App of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), the official digital bank of the Philippine government and a subsidiary of LANDBANK. “We are once again inviting the investing public to support the BTr’s latest Retail Treasury Bond offer now made more convenient through LANDBANK’s digital platforms. Investors can purchase this affordable and low-risk investment in five minutes, and at the same time contribute directly to advancing the country’s ongoing economic recovery,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Investors can also make online placements for RTB-26 through the BTr’s Online Ordering Platform then settle their payments via the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal. Over-the-counter placements are also accepted in all LANDBANK branches nationwide. The offer period for RTB-26 is until 26 November 2021, which includes a bond exchange offer where holders of Fixed-Rate Treasury Notes (FXTNs) 10-54 and 5-74 can swap their holdings for the new bond offering. The RTB-26 follows the RTB-25 issuance last March which raised P463.32 billion, of which LANDBANK generated 27% or a total of P124.39 billion. It also immediately comes after the highly successful first onshore retail dollar bond (RDB) issue in September that raised $1.6 billion for the national government, of which LANDBANK contributed US$205.27 million of total sales. LANDBANK serves as the Joint Lead Issue Manager for the RTB-26 offering, in line with promoting greater financial inclusion and inclusive national development.
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LANDBANK, Abra town sign P60-M loan for dev’t projects
Lagayan Mayor Edmarc L. Crisologo (2nd from left) and LANDBANK Ilocos Sur Lending Center Head Loida Arlene Ringor (3rd from left) lead the signing of a P60-million loan to finance various infrastructure projects for the Municipality. They are joined by Vice Mayor Apolinar Molina, Sr. (4th from left), Municipal Treasurer Jesus B. Dalangin (rightmost), and LANDBANK Account Officer Richard A. Refuerzo (leftmost). LAGAYAN, Abra – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Municipal Government of Lagayan in Abra province recently signed a P60-million loan to finance development projects to boost the local economy. Facilitated by the LANDBANK Ilocos Sur Lending Center, the 15-year term loan will finance the rehabilitation of a municipal road between barangays Pulot and Poblacion, to significantly improve the movement of goods and the public within the municipality. The road serves as the main route linking all four of Lagayan’s barangays and connects the town to other adjacent municipalities. The municipal road is seen to benefit Lagayan’s 4,617 residents, including 850 farmers and 625 fishers, and allows them to travel more safely and efficiently, especially when transporting agricultural goods to markets in nearby municipalities. The road will also support increased tourism activity within the municipality. Local tourist attractions in Lagayan include the caves in Mount Gaco, Lusuac Sprint Resort, and whitewater tubing or bamboo rafting near Ar-Arbis Falls. The P60-million LANDBANK term loan will also cover the purchase of a payloader to be used mainly in dredging the Palsuguan and Tineg rivers traversing Lagayan. This is part of the LGU’s efforts to prevent floods in rice fields and barangays caused by the natural build-up of debris and rising waters resulting from monsoon rains. To further control seasonal flooding, the LGU will also use part of the LANDBANK loan to put up a drainage canal system in Barangay Poblacion to improve water drainage for the health and safety of residents. “LANDBANK remains a ready and able partner of LGUs nationwide for various recovery and development initiatives. We will continue to serve local communities to spur economic activity, growth, and recovery,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Lagayan Mayor Edmarc L. Crisologo expressed his appreciation for LANDBANK’s financial support, which will also bankroll the construction of a Legislative Building and the rehabilitation of the municipality’s Evacuation Center to be able to accommodate more evacuees, especially during disasters. The Center will also serve as the operations hub for the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (MDRRM). “May we continue and strengthen our partnership towards the success of every Lagayano’s dream. On behalf of my constituents, I am in deep gratitude for the helping hand extended by LANDBANK and the realization of the vision, dreams, and aspirations that Lagayanos have been longing for a long time now,” said Mayor Crisologo. As of end-October 2021, LANDBANK has extended P62.06 billion in outstanding loans to LGUs nationwide. Of this amount, P22.96 billion financed various agri-aqua projects, including P5.82 billion and P5.23 billion for transportation and health-care initiatives, respectively.
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