SOWESFACO General Manager Christopher Barlaan showcases a handful of freshly harvested palay inside the co-op’s storage facility in Solana, Cagayan—where rice sacks line the walls as a testament to the farmers’ collective efforts and growing productivity. With support from LANDBANK, the co-op continues to modernize its operations and empower smallholder farmers to become agripreneurs. SOLANA, Cagayan — Farmers in this quiet agricultural town in northern Philippines have long relied on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood despite many challenges. Yet, Solana West Farmers Cooperative (SOWESFACO) is rewriting the story of smallholder farming by turning subsistence growers into market players, improving livelihoods, and fostering long-term sustainability. Founded nearly three decades ago with 23 pioneering members contributing P5,000 each, SOWESFACO began with a pooled capital of just P115,000. Despite starting small, the cooperative has evolved into a model of self-reliance and collective empowerment with a clear vision to provide financial support, agricultural resources, and opportunities for growth to the farming community of Solana. Strengthening farmers through financial access From the outset, SOWESFACO has remained true to its founding principle to help farmers help themselves. By providing affordable credit, access to farm inputs, and a community of shared purpose, the cooperative has enabled its members to build more secure and sustainable livelihoods. Central to this progress is SOWESFACO’s long-standing partnership with LANDBANK since 1996. SOWESFACO General Manager Christopher M. Barlaan attests to the Bank’s steady backing, which has been crucial in expanding the co-op’s reach and capacity to serve more members. “LANDBANK has been instrumental in our growth. More than a financial institution, they’re a partner who understands what we’re trying to do for our farmers,” said Barlaan. Paying back loans in kind Among SOWESFACO’s most innovative and impactful initiatives is its "Payment in Kind" policy, which allows members to repay their loans with harvested palay instead of cash. This was made possible through LANDBANK’s flexible financial solutions, supporting the co-op’s efforts to create a system that benefits both farmers and the cooperative. “We believe that progress should be shared. That’s why we make every effort to ensure LANDBANK’s support directly benefits our members. Through our payment-in-kind system, they’re able to repay loans using their harvest, not just cash—giving them more breathing room and better control over their income,” added Barlaan. By repaying loans in kind, SOWESFACO shields Solana farmers from exploitative market practices where palay prices are often dictated by middlemen, and ensures fair compensation to help farmers retain more of their hard-earned income. This system also lessens the stress of cash-based repayments during lean seasons, allowing farmers to focus on improving crop yields and productivity. Building modern, resilient farms The partnership with LANDBANK has also fueled infrastructure upgrades critical to SOWESFACO’s competitiveness. Investments in post-harvest facilities, including dryers and milling equipment, have significantly reduced losses and improved rice quality — positioning the cooperative to meet the demands of institutional buyers and larger markets. “With LANDBANK’s help, we’ve been able to modernize our operations. The support has made us more efficient, competitive, and responsive to our members’ needs,” Barlaan said. This physical expansion has been matched by investments in human capital. The co-op also invests heavily in training programs, including farm management, financial literacy, and cooperative governance, raising the skillset of members to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape. “LANDBANK helped us not just to support our farmers today, but we’re also preparing them for tomorrow. Through skills training and insurance, we’re helping build more resilient and sustainable livelihoods,” he added. To reinforce resilience, SOWESFACO also provides insurance coverage for natural calamities and other unforeseen events, protecting its farmers with a crucial safety net during times of crisis. A vision for wider impact With its foundation firmly established, SOWESFACO plans to expand its operations and reach a broader market, including potential international buyers. Continued financial and technical support from LANDBANK is expected to help the co-op scale up operations and make a more significant impact on the agricultural value chain. “Our dream is to go beyond Solana, to bring our rice, which we’ve worked so hard to produce, to other provinces and regions. We want people across the country to recognize the quality of our products and the story of our farmers,” said Barlaan. Together, SOWESFACO and LANDBANK represent a working model for inclusive, scalable, and sustainable agricultural development — one rooted in long-term partnerships, capacity-building, and trust. As LANDBANK continues to serve as a steadfast ally to the agricultural sector, stories like SOWESFACO’s underscore how targeted support can deliver both economic returns and lasting social impact, empowering farmers and rural communities across the country. 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.
READ MORECATMON, Bulacan – In what was once a predominantly agricultural barangay of Santa Maria, Bulacan, a grassroots initiative that began with a handful of farmers under a sampaloc tree has blossomed into one of the province’s most progressive cooperatives. Backed by the steadfast support of LANDBANK, Catmon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) has thrived by growing alongside its community—evolving to meet changing needs while staying true to its agricultural roots. Growing up in Catmon, Emeliza Laurenciana, now the Chairperson of Catmon MPC, recalls the Cooperative as a constant in a community once surrounded by rice fields and backyard farms. “It’s all thanks to the unwavering support of LANDBANK that our Cooperative has flourished, allowing us to uplift the lives of so many in our community, including mine,” Laurenciana shared. From a Tree to a Vision Catmon MPC’s journey started in 1987, when 26 farmers and livestock raisers came together with a shared mission—to improve their lives and uplift their community through agriculture. Each contributed ₱500, pooling a total initial capital of ₱12,500 that would mark the foundation of what is now a pillar of grassroots development in the area. “Back then, local farmers struggled with limited access to capital, technical know-how, and reliable markets. We saw those gaps firsthand, and that became our driving force—to build a Cooperative that could offer real, lasting support where it was most needed,” shared Luisito dela Rosa, one of the 26 founding members who now serves as Catmon MPC’s General Manager. The Cooperative initially focused on livestock production, and with a small grant from the Department of Agriculture (DA), it built a feed mill—a critical asset that improved access to affordable, high-quality animal feeds for farmers across Catmon. A Timely Opportunity A pivotal moment in Catmon MPC’s history was when a representative from LANDBANK visited the Cooperative in 1989 and offered financial access. “We didn’t let that opportunity pass. Because of LANDBANK, we secured the capital we needed for rice production and other ventures,” said Dela Rosa. What started as a single loan to fund agricultural production evolved into a long-term partnership. As the landscape of Catmon shifted from farmlands to residential areas, the Cooperative kept pace by expanding its services to remain a relevant support system for its members. Through all these developments, LANDBANK remained a steadfast partner, providing not only financing but also guidance to help the co-op adapt and expand its reach. “LANDBANK’s support has always allowed us to think ahead. They helped us adapt as our surroundings changed. We’ve expanded our services not just to sustain livelihoods, but to help our members and their families build better lives,” added Laurenciana. New Products, New Purpose Today, Catmon MPC has expanded into dairy production, offering yogurt, flavored milk, and sterilized milk—products that are especially popular among the younger residents in Sta. Maria. The Cooperative also continues to provide financial and livelihood assistance to both long-time members and new households in the community. “What began under a sampaloc tree has now grown into offices and facilities serving communities across Sta. Maria, Bulacan,” shared Dela Rosa, reflecting on the Cooperative’s journey. “To grow with the community means evolving with it. We were founded on agriculture, and that will always be our foundation. But LANDBANK has helped us build on that, expanding our reach without losing sight of where we came from,” he added. Empowering Through Capacity-Building Like its partner LANDBANK, Catmon MPC emphasizes capacity-building as a core value. It regularly conducts training programs to equip members with tools to turn financial and livelihood assistance into sustainable, long-term development. Today, more than three decades since its founding, with over 14,000 members and an asset base exceeding P900 million, Catmon MPC’s continued growth is rooted in a clear vision, strong leadership, and deep ties to its community. Even amid rapid change, it embraces new opportunities, and the Cooperative remains grounded in its original mission: to serve and uplift the community of Catmon. The enduring partnership between LANDBANK and Catmon MPC reflects a shared commitment to driving local development. From a modest effort by a small group of determined farmers that has become a multi-sector cooperative, their story stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through trust, adaptability, and a shared mission to empower communities and build a more inclusive, sustainable future. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
READ MORETap to pay with Visa and get a chance to win up to P20,000 shopping spree in SM Supermalls! Merchant Terms and Conditions 1. Promotion is open to all principal and supplementary cardholders of Visa credit, debit, and prepaid cards (locally and internationally issued). 2. A single-receipt minimum purchase in any of the participating SM Retail Stores inside SM Supermalls paid using any Visa credit, debit, or prepaid card gives the cardholder a chance to instantly win P20,000 or P1,000 worth of SM Gift Pass. Participating SM Retail Affiliates, Minimum Purchase Requirement - ACE Hardware - P5,000 - Kultura - P5,000 - Sports Central - P5,000 - Watsons - P1,500 - Look At Me - P1,500 3. Participating SM Retail Affiliates are as follows: ACE Hardware, Kultura, Sports Central, Look At Me and Watsons 4. Participating 77 SM Supermalls - click here. 5. Promotion period is from May 15 – August 15, 2025. 6. Promotion is applicable to in-store transaction only. 7. There will be 100 winners of P20,000 and 3,500 winners of P1,000 worth of SM Gift Pass. 8. Upon completing the minimum single receipt purchase requirement, the cardholder must scan the promo QR at the cashier, register for an account, input his/her receipt amount and approval code, and choose from dropdown of Visa BINs and SM Retail store/branch. Upon successful submission of details, a message will prompt indicating if the customer wins a prize. 9. Purchase of cell cards, phone cards, SM Gift Cards, SM Gift Pass, Concert Tickets, Returns, Bills Payment Products, and other products at the Customer Service Counter are not qualified for this promotion. 10. Splitting of transactions is prohibited and shall not be allowed for redemption. 11. To claim the SM Gift Pass prize, winner must present the following for validation at the Customer Service Counter (BCO) of the SM Store branch located inside SM Supermalls where the winning transaction was made: ▪ Winning message with reference number ▪ Original Transaction Receipt (Original & Untampered) ▪ Original Charge Slip (customer copy) ▪ Visa Card Used ▪ Valid ID 12. Customer Service must verify the original charge slip made at the participating SM Retail Affiliate stores as well as the other redemption requirements. Prizes from erroneous or mismatched transaction details may be forfeited. 13. The transaction receipt and charge slip should be marked/stamped “CLAIMED” upon release of SM Gift Pass. 14. Redemption of SM Gift Pass can be made until 60 days from end of promo period. 15. Prize is non-convertible to cash. 16. Offer is non-transferable, non-refundable and non-convertible to cash. 17. The participating SM Retail Affiliate Stores, SM Supermalls, SM Retail, Inc., and Visa will not replace lost or damaged SM Gift Pass caused by the cardholder. 18. All employees of the participating SM Retail Affiliate Stores, SM Supermalls, SM Retail, Inc., and Visa, their partners and affiliates, their advertising agency including their relatives up to the 2nd degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining this promotion. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-223115 Series of 2025.
READ MORETo further secure your account from online and ATM fraud, amongst the list of existing features of the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), we’ve added the Mobilock which allows you to instantly lock or unlock your ATM cards to protect it from unauthorized use. You may opt to lock or unlock your ATM card by location, either Domestic or International, or both. The Mobilock feature can be accessed through the following easy steps: Steps LANDBANK MBA Screens 1. Log-in to LANDBANK Mobile Banking App. 2. Click More then select Mobilock. 3. On the list of your enrolled accounts with ATM card, select the Account you wish to lock or unlock. 4. Toggle the button on either or both Domestic and/or International, then click Submit. 5. Review and Confirm the transaction or click Back to amend details. 6. Take note of the Transaction Reference Number. Simultaneously, you will receive an e-mail notification. The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) is downloadable for free via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. You may also contact our 24/7 Customer Care Hotline at (02) 405-7000 (Metro Manila) or 1-800-10-405-7000 (PLDT Domestic Toll Free Hotline), or send an e-mail to customercare@landbank.com, for more details. Note: We may add or delete any content anytime, with or without prior notice.
READ MOREPlease be advised of the new method of computing finance charges/interest on your LANDBANK Mastercard Credit Card. Click here for the sample computation. Thank you.
READ MOREDue to the recent Taal Volcano eruption, the LANDBANK Lemery Branch will resume banking operations at the LANDBANK Bauan Branch, starting January 27, 2020 until further notice. Account holders from the Lemery Branch may transact at the Bauan Branch, or at any branch in Batangas, free of interbranch charges. The LANDBANK Bauan Branch is located at Plaza Consorcia, Manghinao Uno, Bauan, Batangas. ATMs and e-banking channels also remain available for your immediate banking needs.
READ MOREAs a measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019, we are implementing screening procedures to ensure the health of our clients, partners, and employees. If cleared, please disinfect your hands prior to entry in any LANDBANK branch or office. However, those with temperature readings of 38°C and above shall not be allowed entry. We request your utmost cooperation for everyone's benefit. Thank you. Bilang hakbang upang maiwasan ang paglaganap ng Coronavirus Disease 2019, at bilang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng aming mga kliyente, partners at empleyado, nagpapatupad ang LANDBANK ng screening procedures. Kung hindi mataas ang temperatura, mangyari pong mag-disinfect ng mga kamay bago pumasok sa LANDBANK Branch o Office. Samantala, ang mga may temperature reading na 38*C o mas mataas pa ay hindi maaaring papasukin. Hiling namin ang inyong kooperasyon para sa kapakanan ng lahat. Maraming salamat po.
READ MOREPleased be advised that the LANDBANK Qualifying Exam scheduled on March 20, 2020 at the Cebu Institute of Technology University is POSTPONED until further notice. This is in line with Malacañang's Proclamation No. 922, declaring a State of Public Health Emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak, restricting travel through various provinces. Stay tuned for a new schedule to be announced. Thank you.
READ MOREConsistent with LANDBANK’s efforts to maintain a healthy workplace for employees, partners and clients, and to implement preventive measures against localize transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we enjoin all job applicants to send their application through email: lbpcareer@mail.landbank.com or check our job openings at www.landbank.com/careers in lieu of walk-in application, which at this time will not be allowed until further notice. Resumption of regular recruitment activities of the Bank will be announced through the Bank’s various communication channels. For updates, you may check our official Facebook and Twitter accounts. Thank you.
READ MOREOPEN BRANCHES (MARCH 20, 2020) (Click here for the list of CLOSED branches today, 20 March 2020) LUZON - NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION OPEN FROM 9AM to 12 NN Caloocan Branch Camp Aguinaldo Branch Cash Department Commonwealth Branch Cubao Branch East Avenue Branch Elliptical Road Branch Intramuros Branch Malabon Branch Malacañan Palace Branch Navotas Branch Quezon Avenue Branch Quezon City Circle Branch Valenzuela Branch West Avenue Branch YMCA Branch OPEN FROM 9AM TO 2PM Baclaran Branch Bicutan DOST Branch BOC MICP Branch Buendia Branch EDSA Greenhills Branch Fort Bonifacio Branch GSIS Branch JP Rizal Branch Las Piñas Branch Makati Business Center Branch Mandaluyong City Hall Branch Muntinlupa Branch NAIA BOC Branch OWWA Branch Pasay Branch Pasig C. Raymundo Avenue Branch Pasig Capitol Branch Pasong Tamo Branch Pateros Branch Shaw Boulevard Branch Sucat Branch Taguig City Hall Branch Villamor Air Base Branch BOC POM Tellering Booth LLUZON - OUTSIDE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION OPEN FROM 9AM TO 2PM Agoo Branch Alaminos Branch Antipolo Branch Aparri Branch Baguio Branch Balayan Branch Bambang Branch Bangued Branch Basco Branch Batac Branch Batangas Branch Batangas Kumintang Branch Bauan Branch Bauang Branch Binalonan Branch Biñan Branch Binangonan Branch Boac Branch Bontoc Branch Brooke's Point Branch Cabagan Branch Cabarroguis Branch Cainta Branch Calamba Branch Calamba City Hall Branch Calapan Branch Calasiao Branch Candon Branch Carmen (Rosales) Branch Catanauan Quezon Branch Cauayan Branch Cavite City Branch Clark Branch Coron Branch Daet Branch Dagupan Branch Dasmariñas Branch Dau Branch Dinalupihan Branch GMA (Cavite) Branch Goa Branch Guagua Branch Guimba Branch Gumaca Branch Ilagan Branch Imus Branch Infanta Branch Iriga Branch Irosin Branch Lagawe Branch Laoag Branch Legazpi Branch Lemery Branch Ligao Branch Lingayen Branch Lipa Branch Lucena Branch Luna Branch Malolos Plaza Branch Mamburao Branch Mangaldan Branch Mariveles Branch Masbate Branch Meycauayan Branch Muñoz Science City Branch Naga (Rotunda) Branch Nagcarlan Branch Nasugbu Branch Odiongan Branch Palayan Branch Paniqui Branch Pili Branch Pinamalayan Branch Polangui Branch Puerto Princesa Branch Puerto Princesa West Branch Pulilan Branch Romblon Branch Rosario (Batangas) Branch Rosario (Cavite) Branch Roxas (Mindoro) Branch Sablyan Branch San Andres Catanduanes Branch San Carlos Branch San Ildefonso Branch San Isidro (Nueva Ecija) Branch San Jose (Mindoro) Branch San Jose Del Monte Branch San Juan Batangas Branch San Pablo (Laguna) Branch Sanchez Mira Branch Santiago Branch Sipocot Branch Solano Branch Sorsogon Branch Sta. Cruz (Laguna) Branch Sta. Cruz Capitol Branch Sta. Rosa Branch Sto. Tomas Batangas Branch Tabaco Branch Tabuk Branch Tagaytay Branch Tagudin Branch Talavera Branch Tanauan Branch Tanay Branch Taytay Branch Tayug Branch Tigaon Branch Trece Martirez Branch Tuao Cagayan Branch Tuguegarao Branch Tuguegarao Capitol Branch U.P. Los Baños Branch Urdaneta Branch Vigan Branch Virac Branch West San Fernando Branch VISAYAS OPEN FROM 9AM TO 2PM Allen Branch Antique Branch Bacolod Branch Bacolod Cybercentre Branch Bais Branch Balamban Branch Banilad Branch Bantayan (Cebu) Branch Bayawan Branch Baybay Branch Bogo Branch Borongan Branch Cadiz Branch Calbayog Branch Carcar Branch Carigara Branch Catarman Branch Catbalogan Branch Caticlan Branch Cebu BOC Branch Cebu Capitol Branch Cebu Osmena Branch Consolacion Branch Culasi Branch Dalaguete Branch Danao Branch Dumaguete Branch Estancia Branch Guihulngan Branch Guimaras Branch Guiuan Branch Hilongos Branch Iloilo Branch Jagna (Bohol) Branch Janiuay Branch Jaro Branch Kabankalan Branch Kalibo Branch Lapu-Lapu Branch Maasin Branch Mandalagan Bacolod Branch Mandaue Branch Mandaue City Hall Branch MEPZA Branch Moalboal Branch Naga City (Cebu) Branch Naval Branch Ormoc Branch Passi Branch Plaza Independencia Branch Roxas (Capiz) Branch Sagay Branch San Carlos (Negros Occidental) Branch San Juan Southern Leyte Branch Sara Branch Silay City Branch Sipalay Branch Siquijor Branch Sogod Branch Tacloban Branch Tacloban Real Branch Tagbilaran Branch Tagbilaran City Hall Branch Talibon Branch Toledo Branch Tubigon (Bohol) Branch UP Miag-Ao Branch Victorias Branch OPEN FROM 9AM TO 12 NN Gaisano Branch Plaza Libertad Branch MINDANAO OPEN FROM 9AM TO 2PM Aglayan (Bukidnon) Branch Alabel Branch Aurora Zamboanga Del Sur Branch Bajada Branch Bansalan Branch Basilan Branch Bayugan Branch Bislig Branch Bongao Branch Buluan Branch Butuan Branch Buug Branch Cabadbaran Branch Cagayan de Oro Limketkai Branch Calamba Misamis Occidental Branch Calumpang (GSC) Branch Camiguin Branch Capistrano Branch Carmen (CDO) Branch Branch Claver Surigao Del Norte Branch Cotabato Branch Cotabato City Hall Branch Dapitan Branch Davao (Recto) Branch Digos Branch Dinagat Islands Branch Dipolog Branch DOLE Phils. Branch Don Carlos Branch El Salvador City Branch General Santos (Highway) Branch General Santos (Pioneer) Branch General Santos (Gaisano) Branch Gingoog Branch Iligan Branch Ipil Branch Isulan Branch Jolo Branch Kabacan Branch Kapatagan Lanao Del Norte Branch KCC Mall de Zamboanga Branch Kidapawan Amas Branch Kidapawan Branch Koronadal Branch Koronadal Highway Branch Lebak Branch Liloy Branch Maigo Lanao Del Norte Branch Malaybalay Highway Branch Malita Branch Manolo Fortich Branch Maramag Branch Marawi Branch Mati Branch Matina Branch Midsayap Branch Molave Branch Nabunturan Branch Oroquieta Branch Ozamis Branch Pagadian Branch Panabo Branch Parang Branch Polomolok Branch Puerto (CDO) Branch Quezon Bukidnon Branch Rosary Heights Branch Samal Island Branch San Francisco Branch San Pedro (Davao) Branch Sindangan Branch Surallah Branch Surigao Branch Tacurong Branch Tagum Branch Tagum Capitol Branch Tandag Branch Tangub (Misamis Occidental) Branch Toril Branch Tubod Branch Tupi (South Cotabato) Branch Valencia Branch Velez Branch Wao Branch WMSU Branch Branch Zamboanga Main Branch OPEN LEAFs (9AM TO 2PM) Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur LEAF Kibawe, Bukidnon LEAF Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental LEAF Pres. Manual A. Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte LEAF Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental LEAF Sugbongcon, Misamis Oriental LEAF
READ MOREAs of Mon, May 19, 2025
| Buying | Selling | |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 55.4 | 55.9 |
| JPY | 0.375563 | 0.390126 |
| EUR | 61.068693 | 63.439345 |
| GBP | 72.549449 | 75.365778 |
| HKD | 7.060171 | 7.587139 |
As of Fri, May 16, 2025
| UITF | NAVPU |
|---|---|
| Cash Management Fund | 1.561092 |
| Money Market Fund | 1.313627 |
| Money Market Plus Fund | 1.225948 |
| PERA Money Market Fund | 1.025388 |
| Bond Fund | 2.03617 |
| PERA Bond Fund | 1.206753 |
| Balanced Fund | 2.664129 |
| Growth Fund | 2.628449 |
| Alpha Equity Fund | 3.08743 |
| Blue Chip Equity Fund | 0.984401 |
| Equity Fund | 0.808546 |
| High Dividend Equity Fund | 1.022747 |
| US$ Money Market Fund | 1.434274 |
| Global $ Fund | 1.528537 |
| Medium-Term Bond Fund | 2.474966 |
