LANDBANK bags two awards at the Philippine Dealing System (PDS) Annual Awards Night in recognition of its contributions to advancing the Philippine capital market. (Right photo) Accepting the awards on behalf of LANDBANK are Senior Vice President Gonzalo Benjamin A. Bongolan (2nd from left) and Assistant Vice President Glenn R. Aguda (3rd from left), presented by PDS Group President Ramon S. Monzon (leftmost) and PDEx President and CEO Antonio A. Nakpil (rightmost). MAKATI CITY, Philippines—Highlighting its growing contribution to advancing the Philippine capital market, LANDBANK was honored as one of the top-performing institutions at the 2025 Philippine Dealing System (PDS) Annual Awards Night. The state-run bank clinched 3rd place in the Top 5 Corporate Issue Managers/Arrangers – Bank Category, in recognition of its vital role in facilitating the issuance of corporate fixed-income securities in 2024. The award honors institutions that led or arranged the largest volume of listed corporate securities offered during the year. The Bank also ranked 4th among the Top 5 Fixed-Income Brokering Participants, highlighting the Bank’s strong presence in the fixed-income market and significant contribution to overall trading volume by face amount. LANDBANK Senior Vice President Gonzalo Benjamin A. Bongolan and Assistant Vice President Glenn R. Aguda accepted the awards on behalf of the Bank on 4 April 2025 at the Makati Diamond Residences. Since 2005, the PDS Group, comprising the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, has been recognizing outstanding performance, leadership, innovation, and contributions to the capital market through its annual awards. These accolades underscore LANDBANK's strategic role in deepening the local capital markets, in line with its broader mission of supporting agriculture and other key development sectors in driving inclusive and sustainable development. 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 MORELANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) and Unified Tiller Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC) CEO Artemio N. Guzman (5th from left) ink the collaboration through the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program to empower over 8,000 farmers and ARB members of UTAC. Also present are Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro (leftmost), LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (3rd from left), First Vice President Eden B. Japitana (2nd from left), UTAC Vice Chairman Earl P. Gorospe Jr. (6th from left), Treasurer Rizzean B. Jose (7th from left), Board Member Angelo S. Pineda (rightmost), and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Executive Director Ma. Cristina Lopez (8th from left). MANILA, Philippines — In a move to help boost rice production and cushion farmers from rising input costs, LANDBANK has partnered with the Unified Tiller Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC) under the Bank’s flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, further strengthening its support for rural livelihoods and the national food supply chain. The partnership aims to empower more than 8,000 farmers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) with access to affordable financing, technical support, and stable market channels for their produce. “We firmly believe that meaningful change begins with meaningful collaborations. LANDBANK remains fully committed to supporting UTAC and their partners through accessible financing, technical assistance, and dedicated loan servicing—ensuring that no farmer is left behind in our shared journey,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Under the collaboration, LANDBANK will provide the financing backbone and training support through its AGRISENSO Plus and ASCEND Programs. UTAC will provide the technology of Regenerative Farming protocols, supplies agricultural inputs, buy, process and sell agricultural outputs, extensive support and comprehensive assistance and increasing farmers’ profitability. The partnership signing on 14 April 2025 was led by LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz and UTAC CEO Artemio N. Guzman, with LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, First Vice President Eden B. Japitana, UTAC Vice Chairman Earl P. Gorospe Jr., and Treasurer Rizzean B. Jose as witnesses. “We appreciate LANDBANK's steadfast support, and we are dedicated to uplifting our farmers not only through financial services but also by nurturing long-term growth opportunities,” said UTAC CEO Guzman. UTAC becomes the sixth anchor partner under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, joining SariSuki, TAO Foods, KITA Agritech, Syntegral Global Solutions, and Yovel East in advancing modernization of the agriculture sector across the country. As of March 2025, LANDBANK has released P877.98 million in loans under AGRISENSO Plus, benefitting nearly 4,700 borrowers nationwide. This partnership underscores LANDBANK’s mandate to advance Philippine agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers and supporting the entire agri value chain. Through targeted financing and strong partnerships, the Bank continues to drive inclusive growth and strengthen national food security. 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. About UTAC The Unified Tiller Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC) is a cooperative based in Cagayan, Isabela, dedicated to improving the lives of rice farmers. UTAC focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and providing its members with the resources and support they need to thrive.
READ MOREPROMO MECHANICS: Mother's Day ▪ Discount via Voucher Code:LBPMAMA ▪ Discount: 40% OFF capped at Php200.00 ▪ Minimum single-receipt spend per transaction: Php500. Minimum spend is based on gross food order value which is defined as the user’s total food order value before any discount and shipping are applied. ▪ Maximum discount per transaction: Php 200.00 ▪ Valid from May 9 to 16, 2025 only ▪ Each code can be used by a user on foodpanda up to one (1) time only per foodpanda user ID Father's Day ▪ Discount via Voucher Code: LBPPAPA ▪ Discount: 40% OFF capped at Php200.00 ▪ Minimum single-receipt spend per transaction: Php500. Minimum spend is based on gross food order value which is defined as the user’s total food order value before any discount and shipping is applied. ▪ Maximum discount per transaction: Php 200.00 ▪ Valid from June 15 to 22, 2025 only ▪ Each code can be used by a user on foodpanda up to one (1) time only per foodpanda user ID
READ MORESOWESFACO 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 MOREMastercard cardholders enjoy 15% off with no minimum spending, on listed prices of over 100,000 international designer items. Terms and Conditions: 1. The “Promotion Period” runs from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 (both days being included). 2. The promotion code will only be valid on dedicated Merchant’s website at the landing pages listed above or the Merchant’s mobile app(s). 3. The offer applies when you make a payment with a Mastercard card for orders being shipped to Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. 4. The cardholders shall select Mastercard upon checkout and use promotional code MC2025. 5. The Offer will be applied on the net purchase value of the products before the application of any taxes and/or applicable fees or charges. 6. YOOX.COM has the right to suspend or terminate the offer if an invalid card is used to redeem the Offer. 7. Offer is only applicable for Mastercard cardholders making purchases for their personal use (i.e. not for wholesale purposes). 8. Unless otherwise specified, the Offers cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers or discounts, coupons or membership offers. 9. The Offers cannot be transferred or used to settle the minimum payment, exchanged for cash, spending credit or other discounts/products/services. 10. The Promotion is not available on selected items, certain categories and brands: The categories and brands that may be excluded from the promotion are: Art, Clearance, Kids, Design, Sport, items labeled NEW, Kartell, sunglasses, Aurélie Bidermann and Montblanc. 11. The prices of all products and services are designated by the relevant participating merchants and are subject to change from time to time without notice. 12. YOOX.COM has the right to amend these terms and conditions as well as to terminate this Offer and/or replace the Offer with another offer of similar value. 13. YOOX shall be solely responsible for the fulfilment of the Offer and merchandise and services offered by YOOX to Eligible cardholders. Mastercard acts solely as a payment provider and is not responsible or liable in the event that any of the merchandise, services or benefits are not provided or fulfilled by YOOX. 14. Eligible cardholders shall arrange for any cancellation of orders or exchange of purchased items through www.yoox.com. Cancellations and exchanges are subject to the General Terms and Conditions of Sale available on www.yoox.com. Customers may contact customer care at enjoyshopping@yoox.com.
READ MOREMastercard cardholders enjoy 10% full priced items. Terms and Conditions: A minimum spend is required to redeem these offers. Offer is valid on orders over USD 300 / EUR 300 / GBP 300 / DKK 2,000 / CAD 420 / AUD 480 / JPY 15,000 / CHF 300 / SGD 420 / MXN 8,000 / PLN 1,200 / SEK 3,000 / AED 1,200 / QAR 1,200 / SAR 1,200 / CNY 2,100 / HKD 2,500 / MOP 2,500 / TWD 8,500. Minimum spend excludes shipping costs, cancelled orders or refunds made on returned items. 1. Offer is for personal use by eligible Mastercard cardholders only. 2. Offer valid until 31 December 2025. 3. This offer can be used on full-price items only. Please be aware that there is a minimum spend required to require this offer, equivalent of EUR 300/USD 300, capped at 2 redemptions per calendar quarter. 4. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional programmes, offers, discount cards, vouchers or VIP privileges unless otherwise stated. 5. FARFETCH’s and Mastercard’s decision shall be final with respect to any Mastercard cardholder disputes regarding the offer. 6. For a full list of shipping locations please visit FARFETCH.com. 7. The offer is only available on selected brands and certain brands are excluded. Refer to the PDF document for list of brand exclusions. 8. For information relating to FARFETCH return policy please visit: https://prf.hn/l/rpOJYb5 9. Full terms and conditions of sale can be found here: https://prf.hn/l/7abXJyV
READ MOREDriven by its robust financial performance in 2024 and sustained momentum into 2025, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has declared ₱33.53 billion in cash dividends to the National Government — the highest in the Bank’s history. This record-setting cash dividend is expected to fund priority infrastructure and socio-economic programs, reaffirming LANDBANK’s critical role in advancing national development. “LANDBANK’s record-breaking dividend reflects the institution’s solid fundamentals and strategic financial management. This contribution will help power President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s infrastructure push, investments in education and healthcare, and food security agenda. And it does all this while staying true to its core mission: delivering accessible and responsive financial services to Filipinos across the country,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto. “I commend LANDBANK for consistently delivering strategic value—not only to its stakeholders, but to the entire Filipino nation,” he added. In 2024, the Bank remitted ₱32.12 billion in dividends — the highest among all Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs). With this year’s ₱33.53 billion declaration, LANDBANK maintains its standing as the top dividend contributor among GOCCs for the second consecutive year. “The ₱33.53 billion dividend underscores LANDBANK’s unwavering support for government priorities that uplift lives and communities across the country. It also reflects our strong financial foundation and vital role as a pillar of inclusive growth, ensuring that our sustained performance translates into real and lasting impact,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Q1 2025 net income rises 11% to ₱13.29-B LANDBANK posted a solid ₱13.29 billion net income for the first quarter of 2025, up 11% from ₱11.98 billion year-on-year and 32% above its Q1 target. LANDBANK’s total assets grew to ₱3.426 trillion, up 5% year-on-year from ₱3.268 trillion, driven by expansions in both loan and investment portfolios. Customer deposits also rose by ₱136.63 billion or 5% to ₱3.02 trillion, reflecting sustained trust in the Bank’s services. Its gross loan portfolio climbed by 8% to ₱1.58 trillion, while investments surged by 14% to ₱1.50 trillion, supported by growth in both trading and non-trading portfolios. LANDBANK’s financial strength was recently reaffirmed by Fitch Ratings, which upgraded its Viability Rating (VR) to ‘bb+’ from ‘bb’, citing stronger capital buffers, enhanced profitability, and its policy-driven mandate. ₱844.61-B in loans for agriculture and rural development Leveraging its solid financial footing, LANDBANK expanded its Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development (AFRD) loan portfolio to a record ₱844.61 billion as of Q1 2025 — representing 53.4% of its total gross loan portfolio of ₱1.58 trillion. The Bank supported nearly 28,000 new small farmers and fishers during the period, bringing total beneficiaries assisted to 4.04 million nationwide. This was accomplished through a mix of direct lending, credit conduits, and capacity-building interventions, spanning the entire agricultural value chain. LANDBANK ranks 5th in Forbes’ 2025 Best Banks in the Philippines LANDBANK climbed to 5th place in Forbes’ Best Banks 2025 survey in the Philippines, up from 8th last year. It was also recognized among the World's Best Employers for the second year in a row, ranking 4th in the Philippines in 2024 — the only government institution on the list. Now in its seventh year, the Forbes’ global ranking — conducted in partnership with Statista — surveyed over 50,000 individuals across 34 countries, evaluating banks on customer satisfaction, trust, terms and conditions, digital services, customer support, and financial advice. This recognition reflects growing confidence in LANDBANK’s mission-driven banking approach and affirms its role in advancing inclusive finance and sustainable development. 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 MORERetired educator Dra. Celeste N. Querijero now devotes her time to cultivating mushrooms and managing her farm in Misamis Oriental, which has become a model of sustainable and inclusive farming. OPOL, Misamis Oriental — After dedicating 44 years to shaping minds as an agriculture professor at the Mindanao State University (MSU), Dra. Celeste N. Querijero was offered a prestigious international consultancy post — a tempting opportunity that recognized her expertise and decades of experience. But she chose to stay closer to home to empower small farmers in the community by sharing her knowledge of sustainable farming that defined her teaching career. "Even before I retired, I already had a deep passion for agriculture,” she shared. “As MSU’s coordinator for extension services, I saw firsthand the pressing needs of our farmers. They wanted knowledge, access, and a stable livelihood. So after retirement, I volunteered myself to serve. It’s my way of giving back after all the blessings I’ve received throughout my career," she said. True to this calling, Dra. Querijero founded the CNQ Diversified Farm in Sitio Saguing Patag, named after her initials. With mushrooms as her flagship crop — an expertise she honed while writing her dissertation in Thailand — she began cultivating oyster mushrooms, and later expanded into a diversified farm ecosystem which includes mulberries, ilang-ilang, coconuts, mangoes, vegetables, legumes, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and ube. Empowered by LANDBANK support Dra. Querijero used the loan from LANDBANK to build a multi-purpose facility, which includes a mushroom growing house on the ground floor. To scale up her farm’s operations, Dra. Querijero tapped LANDBANK’s low-interest financing under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA). The funds enabled her to invest in modern equipment and build a multi-purpose facility as an additional production area and training venue for farmers and stakeholders. From an initial annual yield of 8,000 oyster mushroom packs, CNQ Diversified Farm now produces 20,000 packs distributed to leading malls such as SM, Ayala, and Robinsons, and even reaching markets in Bohol and Cebu. The expansion also created employment for 21 locals, with women comprising 80% of the workforce. A learning hub for sustainable and inclusive farming Beyond its produce, what sets CNQ Diversified Farm apart is its role as a learning hub for sustainable and inclusive farming. Dra. Querijero regularly hosts agriculture-related training sessions in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO), and other government agencies. Dra. Querijero is even in talks with European stakeholders who are interested to take agri training programs. The CNQ Diversified Farm is fast becoming a model for sustainable and inclusive farming, and a convergence zone for universities, government institutions, and local government units eager to replicate its success and promote rural development. The farm’s innovative practices have also become the subject of academic research, culminating in a published book authored by graduate students. “I’m here to guide and teach — not just to build a farm, but to build lives,” said Dra. Querijero. “LANDBANK made this possible by believing in my vision. The loan gave me breathing room — low interest, one-year grace period, and flexible terms — so I could focus on growing before repaying.” LANDBANK’s steadfast commitment to agriculture LANDBANK serves as the DA’s conduit bank in implementing the ACEF Lending Program, which is designed to empower marginalized players in the agriculture sector through affordable credit and support services. Under this Program, individual farmers and fishers can borrow up to ₱1 million, while cooperatives, associations, and MSMEs can access up to ₱5 million for farm inputs, machinery, and facilities essential to production and processing. As of March 2025, LANDBANK has released ₱14.6 billion in loans under the ACEF Lending Program, benefiting 97,162 borrowers nationwide — 98% of whom are small farmers and fishers. 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 MOREAs of Fri, June 20, 2025
| Buying | Selling | |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 56.95 | 57.55 |
| JPY | 0.386061 | 0.401641 |
| EUR | 64.544292 | 67.151872 |
| GBP | 75.593628 | 78.6476 |
| HKD | 7.228398 | 7.779724 |
As of Thu, June 19, 2025
| UITF | NAVPU |
|---|---|
| Cash Management Fund | 1.567201 |
| Money Market Fund | 1.318392 |
| Money Market Plus Fund | 1.230778 |
| PERA Money Market Fund | 1.028038 |
| Medium-Term Bond Fund | 2.481897 |
| Bond Fund | 2.027012 |
| PERA Bond Fund | 1.201377 |
| Balanced Fund | 2.677204 |
| Growth Fund | 2.648917 |
| Alpha Equity Fund | 3.096113 |
| Blue Chip Equity Fund | 0.97766 |
| Equity Fund | 0.817186 |
| High Dividend Equity Fund | 1.028503 |
| US$ Money Market Fund | 1.438224 |
| Global $ Fund | 1.538186 |
