Weaccess Iaccess LinkBiz
ADVISORY

FIND US

LANDBANK opens ‘phygital’ branch in Manila, eyes nationwide rollout

January 31, 2025

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (4th from left) and Deputy Treasurer of the Philippines Ma. Nanette C. Diaz (5th from left) lead the inauguration of the LANDBANK Makati Business Center - Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch in Makati City on 30 January 2025. Joining them are (from L-R) PDIC President and CEO Robert B. Tan, LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, GCG officials Commissioner Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka, Chairman Atty. Marius P. Corpus, and Commissioner Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, and Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Undersecretary Jose Edwiniel C. Guilas.

MAKATI CITY – LANDBANK opened its first ‘phygital’ branch in Metro Manila as part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of modernized branches to provide Filipinos more accessible and innovative financial services.

The LANDBANK Makati Business Center – Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch, located in Robinsons Summit Center on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, combines physical and digital services for a more streamlined, seamless, and delightful customer experience.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Deputy Treasurer of the Philippines Ma. Nanette C. Diaz led the inauguration rites for the LANDBANK Makati Business Center – Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch on 30 January 2025.

Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Chair Atty. Marius P. Corpus and Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President and CEO Robert B. Tan also graced the event. 

“Our phygital branches represent a bold and timely step forward in bridging traditional banking with digital innovation. This reflects LANDBANK’s commitment to empower Filipinos by delivering accessible, customer-focused, and inclusive financial services,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.

This latest upgraded branch is LANDBANK’s eighth phygital branch, as the Bank plans to inaugurate at least 30 more phygital branches nationwide by the end of the year.

Transforming the Branch Experience 

LANDBANK phygital branches feature a refreshed look with self-service machines, new queuing and tellering systems, meeting pods, and interactive zones. Each branch has a dedicated phygital ambassador to assist and guide customers to the machines or areas suitable to their needs, ensuring personalized support.

Over-the-counter transactions in LANDBANK phygital branches are also simplified through the LANDBANK Easy Access (LEA) system, which eliminates the need to fill out forms. Account opening is initiated through the Digital Online Banking System (DOBS), accessible via the DOBS Corners in the branch or via the LANDBANK website for added convenience.

Meanwhile, the Explore Zone offers clients the opportunity to learn more about LANDBANK’s wide range of financial products and services designed to help them achieve their financial goals. The meeting pods are specifically designed for consultations with LANDBANK marketing officers, providing clients with personalized guidance on how to maximize the benefits of the Bank’s offerings.

The phygital branches are likewise equipped with automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash deposit machines (CDMs) that offer card and cardless transaction options.

Soon, LANDBANK phygital branches will introduce additional features, including self-service passbook updating and ATM card issuance and updating, ATM withdrawal via quick response (QR) code, and access to DOBS via mobile and web with automatic scheduling for account opening. 

As LANDBANK sets its sights on broader nationwide expansion, the phygital branch model underscores its commitment to leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion and customer satisfaction.

Customers can also open a savings account online through the straight-through account opening feature of the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), without visiting a branch. The LANDBANK MBA is a free application that offers seamless and convenient online fund transfers, bills payments, and balance inquiries, among others. 

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. 

LANDBANK operates 607 branches and branch-lite units and 60 lending centers nationwide, complemented by 3,229 ATMs, 238 CDMs, 1,130 LANDBANKasama partners, and an additional 3,449 ATMs in partner 7-11 convenience stores. 

Other Stories

Farmers pay back loans with palay: Cagayan co-op scales up with LANDBANK backing

  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.

LEARN MORE

LANDBANK, UTAC partner to support 8,000 farmers

  LANDBANK 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.  

LEARN MORE

LANDBANK shines with dual honors at PDS Awards

  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. 

LEARN MORE
Archive Facility
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019