Small rice farmers now have an alternative market for their produce as state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) announced it has approved a total of P4.3 billion in loans to allow local government units (LGUs) to purchase palay from local farmers. Under the Bank’s “PALAY ng Lalawigan” (PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan) Lending Program, LANDBANK said it has so far approved loans to six (6) LGUs. The PALAY ng Lalawigan Lending Program—officially launched in October 2019—is open to municipal, city and provincial governments of palay-producing provinces. Aside from loans for palay procurement, eligible LGUs may also use the fund to acquire farm machineries and post-harvest facilities, as well as finance other rice-related activities. As of September 23, 2020, LANDBANK has approved loans for the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija, City Government of Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, Provincial Government of Isabela, Municipal Government of Alicia in Isabela, Provincial Government of Tarlac, and Provincial Government of Camarines Sur. “We are encouraging our LGUs to avail of the LANDBANK PALAY ng Lalawigan Lending Program to bankroll their direct engagement in the local rice industry value chain. It will be a big help to our local farmers whose incomes may have been affected, in one way or another, by the fluctuating farmgate prices of palay,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The fund facility is LANDBANK’s answer to the government’s call to prop up the livelihood of rice farmers heavily affected by the seasonality of palay planting. Rather than sell to unscrupulous rice traders who offer very low prices, farmers can now sell their produce to the LGUs. The loanable amount of qualified LGUs under the PALAY ng Lalawigan Lending Program shall be based on the requirement of the project but shall not be more than the Net Borrowing Capacity (NBC) of the LGU per Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) computation/certification. Short-term loan line and permanent working capital under the program bear a fixed interest rate of 2% per annum until December 31, 2022. Term loan, on the other hand, carries an interest rate of 4% per annum until the same period, and subject to re-pricing afterward. For more information about the LANDBANK PALAY ng Lalawigan Lending Program, interested LGUs 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.
READ MOREPhilippine Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez (2nd from left) receives the Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Award conferred to Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) for “Sustainable Finance” from (left to right) Mr. Jochen Ehlgoetz, CEO of Technology Region of Karlsruhe, Mr. Tom Hoyem, Member of the City Council of Karlsruhe, and Mr. Arshad Rab, CEO of the European Organization for Sustainable Development. State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) was presented with a Certificate of Merit for “Best Innovation in Financial Services” in this year’s Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards held in Karlsruhe, Germany last September 30, 2020. This is the 8th consecutive year that LANDBANK has received the honor since 2013. LANDBANK was cited for its successful implementation of the “Enhanced Environmental and Social Safeguards Relative to Credit Delivery,” an innovative initiative for conducting environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) for all Bank-financed projects and accounts. This is to ensure compliance to applicable environmental and social laws and regulations, which in turn minimizes credit risks. The policy enhancement covers identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring of environmental, climate change, and social risks, aspects, impacts, as well as economic, environmental and social benefits of projects financed by LANDBANK. “LANDBANK continues to make strides in embedding environmental and social sustainability into our policies and organizational culture. By promoting sustainable financing, we encourage our clients to adopt similar approaches in their own business strategies and operations, while ensuring that they comply with local and international environmental regulations,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez of the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt received the award on behalf of LANDBANK. LANDBANK’s award-winning Administrative Order No. 26 (Enhanced Environmental and Social Safeguards Relative to Credit Delivery) expands the Bank’s Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) system, which previously only conducted environmental impact assessments for every project that the Bank finances—from loan packaging up until the loan is fully paid—coupled with an environmental risk rating. All Bank-financed projects are vetted as to its potential environmental impacts, provided recommendations for possible environmental management, and measured and monitored for compliance. The Bank’s comprehensive compliance management system ensures that risks associated with penalties and legal issues due to environmental violations are minimized. The resulting environmental compliance report on the environmental performance of its clients keep the Bank informed of potential risks, while providing opportunities for clients to put in place mitigation mechanisms that reduce adverse impacts on their project operations. Since the EDD was implemented, environmental and social risks are mitigated, as it brought awareness on the importance of compliance to environmental and social laws/regulations which benefitted both stakeholders and the host community. As a result, natural habitats, physical cultural property or heritage sites, and protected areas are preserved. A total of 4,728 project and account assessments have been conducted since the EDD system was first implemented in 2004 up to December 2019. Of this number, 461 were accomplished using the enhanced ESDD tool under LANDBANK Administrative Order No. 26. The Global Sustainable Finance Awards in Karlsruhe honors financial institutions and related organizations with significant contributions to the field of sustainable banking and finance. It is organized by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD), tasked to develop strategies, programs and initiatives, and undertake projects that contribute to the implementation of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development, aimed at promoting sustainable economic development and environmental protection.
READ MOREState-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) was presented with a Certificate of Merit for “Best Innovation in Financial Services” in this year’s Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards held in Karlsruhe, Germany last September 30, 2020. This is the 8th consecutive year that LANDBANK has received the honor since 2013. Click here for more information.
READ MOREAs the winner of the Merit Award, the Bank’s online account opening system was recognized for its support to the Bank’s thrust of financial inclusion for farmers and fishers, as well as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), by providing them with an additional access point to financial services. Through DOBS, account opening time has shortened from 30 minutes to 10 minutes. Everyone may enroll online in the comfort of their homes or offices prior to proceeding to the branch to complete the account application and to pick-up their LANDBANK card. Such process also allows lobby traffic in branches to be reduced. Meanwhile, the Bank’s Green Climate Finance Project was recognized under the Environmental Development category. LANDBANK is the first and only Direct Access Entity (DAE) of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in the country. The GCF is an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Paris Agreement, dedicated in supporting global efforts to respond to the challenge of climate change. The project aims to help developing countries to limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change by supporting projects that promote a paradigm shift to low-emission and climate resilient development, while considering the needs of developing countries that are vulnerable to climate change impacts. As the country’s only DAE at present, the Bank is tasked to oversee, manage, monitor, and mobilize funds from the GCF to finance mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency projects falling within the Philippines’ priority projects.
READ MORE(first row) National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon (right) and Arden Botanical Estate sales and marketing head Rowena Espiritu (left), award P1 million and a condo unit from Megaworld Corporation to Premyo Bonds Third Quarter Rewards Draw grand winner National Power Corporation (NPC) Provident Fund, represented by NPC Provident Fund Chairman Alexander P. Japon (center). They are joined by (2nd row, left to right) Deputy Treasurer Atty. Erwin D. Sta. Ana, LANDBANK Trust Banking Group First Vice President Lolita M. Almazar, Deputy Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza, and Deputy Treasurer Atty. Gisela F. Lood. The National Power Corporation (NPC) Provident Fund received the cash and non-cash rewards for the “Premyo Bonds Para sa Bayan” (Premyo Bonds) Third Quarter Rewards Draw promo of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) and partner institutions. The ceremonial turnover—which was held on October 2 at the Ayuntamiento Building, Intramuros in Manila—was led by National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon, Deputy Treasurers Atty. Erwin D. Sta. Ana, Atty. Gisela F. Lood and Sharon P. Almanza, and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) Trust Banking Group First Vice President Lolita M. Almazar. They were joined by Rowena Espiritu, sales and marketing head of Arden Botanical Estate, Megaworld Global Estate, Inc. The NPC Provident Fund—which made its Premyo Bond placements through LANDBANK—received a P1-million cash prize and a condominium unit from Megaworld Corporation. The rewards were accepted for the institution by NPC Provident Fund Chairman Alexander P. Japon. The Premyo Bonds are deemed one of the safest and affordable short-term investment products when it was offered from November 25 to December 13, 2019. Issued by the National Government, the bonds were offered at a minimum denomination of P500 with a fixed interest rate per annum of 3%. A Premyo Bond investment of P500 entitles the investor to one raffle ticket. In his video message during the Third Premyo Bonds Draw, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez urged the raffle winners to reinvest their money in government bonds to help support the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Premyo Bonds were first offered to the public last year by the National Government through the BTr, with LANDBANK as one of the Joint Lead Issue Managers. Other Joint Issue Managers were private banks BDO Capital and Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., and First Metro Investment Corp. The Issue Managers also served as Selling Agents. Aside from the grand winner, a total of 115 Premyo Bond investors also won cash prizes, including 100 3rd cash reward winners of P20,000 each, and 15 2nd cash reward tier winners of P100,000 each. The Fourth Quarter Rewards Draw for the Premyo Bonds will be held on December 18, 2020.
READ MOREThe boom in digital banking being experienced in the country as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in online account opening and other digital banking services, said the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). The Bank has recorded 1,039,926 accounts opened online through its Digital Onboarding System (DOBS), as demand for online banking services as well as safer and more convenient ways to transact with banks continue to surge. About 492,156 accounts were opened from January to September 2020, including 11,972 for Overseas Filipino Bank accounts—LANDBANK’s digital-only branchless bank subsidiary. “This milestone is a welcome development for the Bank as it proves that Filipinos are responsive to the improvements and innovations that we implement, designed to provide them additional channels for their banking needs, as well as a more convenient banking experience in this digital age,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. LANDBANK DOBS, a pioneering web application among Philippine banks, was launched in 2019 with the goal of reducing the account opening time from 30-45 minutes to only 10 minutes. It also simplifies the account enrolment process for individuals and institutional clients. Aside from hassle-free account opening, DOBS also provides automatic enrollment to LANDBANK iAccess for internet banking, the LANDBANK Mobile App for convenient banking transactions through their smartphones, and the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal for payment of bills, products and services to the enrolled merchants in the system. The system also allows existing DOBS account holders to update their information through the system, a move to decongest client visits in Bank’s branches, especially in this time of pandemic. “This is only the start for the Bank’s digitization agenda as we also look forward to streamlining other Bank processes using new technologies such as loan application, among others,” President Borromeo said. For this banking innovation, LANDBANK has been recognized as “Asia’s Most Inclusive Bank” by the Financial Insights Innovation Awards 2019, and was conferred as “Digital Trailblazer in Financial Services” by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Access the DOBS through the LANDBANK’s official website (www.landbank.com) or through the Digital Corner of selected LANDBANK branches dedicated for walk-in clients who wish to access the system. Watch the tutorial video on how to apply thru DOBS via the LANDBANK YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/c/LANDBANKOfficial) For more information about LANDBANK’s DOBS, clients may contact the nearest open LANDBANK 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.
READ MORETo continue helping clients cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is granting a two-month grace period on loan and credit card payments. LANDBANK is providing a one-time 60-day moratorium for all existing, current, and outstanding loans falling due from September 15 until December 31, 2020, without incurring interest on interests, penalties, fees, or other charges. This is in support of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11494 or the “Bayanihan to Recover as One (BARO) Act.” Credit card transactions made, including fees or charges incurred, prior to September 15 shall also be covered by the moratorium. For credit card payments, any unpaid balance from transactions and fees or charges shall not incur interest or finance charges during the mandatory grace period. However, after the end of the applicable grace period, the said unpaid balance shall incur interest or finance charges if not paid in full on new due date. “LANDBANK understands how providing loan relief can significantly support our clients during these difficult times. We look to ease their financial concerns as we continue navigating the challenges of this pandemic,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. LANDBANK will apply the 60-day grace period automatically, without the need for borrowers and credit card holders to apply or request for the relief measure. However, for LANDBANK credit cardholders with Automatic Debit Arrangements (ADA) for payments, they must inform the Bank that they would like to avail of the relief. The grace period shall commence from the payment due date of loans, with principal and/or interest, including amortizations, falling due from September 15 until December 31, 2020. Meanwhile, credit card transactions made on and after 15 September are no longer covered by the BARO Act and shall continue to incur interest or finance charges if not fully paid on or before its original due date. LANDBANK previously granted a similar grace period for loan payments falling due from March 18 to June 30, 2020, in support of Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.” Loan accounts that benefitted from this grace period will also benefit from the BARO Act if it remains an existing, current, and outstanding loan as of September 15, 2020. Meanwhile, fund transfer fees are still waived for InstaPay and PESONet transactions until December 31, 2020. For more information on LANDBANK’s 60-day grace period for loan and credit card payments, please visit the LANDBANK website at www.landbank.com/faqs.
READ MOREState-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is set to issue its first-ever Sustainability Bonds offer to fund environmental and social projects. 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 2024, the bonds will be issued in minimum denominations of P50,000 and in multiples of P10,000 thereafter. Interest rate is expected to be set on October 23 while offer period is scheduled from October 26 to November 6, 2020. Listing at the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation (PDEx) is set on November 17. Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) will be the sole lead arranger and bookrunner, while both LANDBANK and SCB will be selling agents. “With the pandemic posing both as a pressing challenge and opportunity, it strengthens LANDBANK’s commitment all the more, with a sharpened focus in supporting sectors and activities for sustainable recovery,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo in her speech during the Sustainability Bonds virtual investors' briefing held on October 21. LANDBANK will utilize the proceeds from the issuance to finance various loan programs that support sustainable projects such as green and social projects, as identified in LANDBANK’s Sustainable Finance Framework—the Bank’s blueprint for developing sustainable financing instruments. 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. LANDBANK’s Sustainable Finance Framework is aligned with sustainable finance principles enumerated in the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018 by the International Capital Market Association and the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards 2018 by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, among others.
READ MOREIn 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).
READ MOREState-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.
READ MOREAs of Tue, July 22, 2025
| Buying | Selling | |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 56.85 | 57.35 |
| JPY | 0.380433 | 0.395142 |
| EUR | 65.535201 | 68.065274 |
| GBP | 75.651566 | 78.572195 |
| HKD | 7.215717 | 7.752688 |
As of Mon, July 21, 2025
| UITF | NAVPU |
|---|---|
| Cash Management Fund | 1.572792 |
| Money Market Fund | 1.322726 |
| Money Market Plus Fund | 1.235011 |
| PERA Money Market Fund | 1.030621 |
| Medium-Term Bond Fund | 2.491975 |
| Bond Fund | 2.043029 |
| PERA Bond Fund | 1.213041 |
| Balanced Fund | 2.700209 |
| Growth Fund | 2.643194 |
| Alpha Equity Fund | 3.12887 |
| Blue Chip Equity Fund | 0.969099 |
| Equity Fund | 0.819802 |
| High Dividend Equity Fund | 1.038999 |
| US$ Money Market Fund | 1.442096 |
| Global $ Fund | 1.550064 |
