The Department of Transportation (DOTr), alongside its attached agencies, the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR), will roll out with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) six (6) programs designed to modernize the country’s transportation systems and services.
The programs are the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) Appraisal Project, Resettlement Action Plan Entitlements Distribution Mechanism, Distribution of Cash Subsidy for Operators, Automatic Fare Collection System–Pilot Production Testing, Support Package for Environment-friendly and Efficiently-Driven PUV (SPEED PUV) Program, and the Interim Rehabilitation Support to Cushion Unfavorably-affected Enterprises by COVID-19 for Better Urban Services (I-RESCUE BUS) Transport Lending Program.
The collaboration was formalized through a virtual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony led by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, PNR General Manager Junn Magno, and LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo held on October 12, 2020.
“LANDBANK welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the continuous development of our transportation systems, in line with providing commuters with more efficient, safe, and comfortable modes of transport. Our combined efforts will fast-track the delivery of much-needed programs and services for the sector amid the ongoing pandemic,” LANDBANK President Borromeo said.
As part of the partnership, LANDBANK will appraise properties that will be affected by the construction of the NSCR-Ex Project, which aims to expand the existing mass transportation in Metropolitan Manila and adjacent areas, and alleviate serious traffic congestions in and around the capital city. The appraisal will cover 15 clustered sites, composed of five (5) sites in Bulacan and Pampanga, and 10 sites in Manila, Makati and Laguna.
Under the NSCR-Ex Project, LANDBANK will also serve as the distribution agent of the Resettlement Action Plan Entitlements Distribution Mechanism. The Bank will deliver cash entitlements to eligible residents and other Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) living along the railway right-of-way from Malolos in Bulacan to Clark in Pampanga, as well as from Tutuban in Manila to Calamba in Laguna.
In coordination with the LTFRB, LANDBANK will distribute cash subsidy to PUV operators who have been adversely affected by the suspension in public transportation operations and reduced ridership due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The Bank will facilitate the cash release through the Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) fuel cash cards, existing LANDBANK accounts, other bank accounts via InstaPay or PESONet, and over-the-counter payouts.
The DOTr and LANDBANK will also jointly conduct the Pilot Production Testing of the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), which will utilize convenient Mastercard EMVCo-compliant contactless cards as payment instruments in public transport modes. The testing will verify the entire AFCS under a real-time operating condition in preparation for its full and commercial implementation.
Finally, a MOA was formalized to ensure that the plans, procedures, and rules of LANDBANK’s transport lending programs—the SPEED PUV Lending Program and IRESCUE BUS Transport Lending Program—are aligned with the DOTr’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The SPEED PUV Program offers financing to public transport cooperatives or corporations to help them make the shift to more efficient and safer vehicles. As of August 31, 2020, LANDBANK has approved a total of P737.21 million in loans to 16 borrowers nationwide for the purchase of 407 modern jeepneys.
Meanwhile, LANDBANK has allotted an initial P3 billion for the recently launched IRESCUE BUS Transport Lending Program to support public transport cooperatives and corporations, who are members of the consortium selected for the Metro Manila Bus Modernization Program, for the purchase of modern public utility buses. Qualified enterprises may borrow up to eighty percent (80%) of the acquisition cost of the vehicle, at an affordable fixed interest rate of 5% per annum for the first three (3) years—payable up to a maximum of seven (7) years, inclusive of the two-year grace period on principal.
Interested borrowers 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.
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LANDBANK sees surge in digital banking usage in 2024
The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) powered the Bank’s digital surge in 2024, logging 106.82 million transactions or almost double the previous year’s total of 55.2 million. LANDBANK recorded a significant increase in digital banking transactions in 2024, driven by the growing shift of customers to online banking services and the Bank’s sustained investments in enhancing its digital platforms. The Bank facilitated a total of 162.28 million digital transactions, marking a 67% expansion from 97.08 million in 2023, with a total value of ₱3.38 trillion, up 38% from ₱2.45 trillion. “Digital banking is not just about convenience—it’s about inclusion. Through our digital banking channels, we are empowering every Filipino to take control of their finances. Our goal is to make safe, reliable, and convenient banking accessible to all, especially our farmers and fishers, business owners, OFWs, and government agencies,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) led the growth in the Bank’s total transaction volume, with a record 106.82 million transactions in 2024—nearly double the 55.2 million transactions recorded in the prior year. Through the MBA, users can perform a wide range of banking services, including fund transfers, bill payments, and investing in government securities. Among the App’s major enhancements last year was the straight-through account opening feature, which allows customers to open a digital account online via smartphones without visiting a branch. In terms of transaction value, the Bank’s corporate Internet banking platform, weAccess, recorded the highest volume at ₱1.36 trillion. This marks a 43% year-on-year growth from ₱952.14 billion in 2023. LANDBANK’s other major digital channels include iAccess, an online retail banking channel; Link.BizPortal, a web-based payment channel; Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS), a facility for institutional clients and national government partners; and LANDBANK Bulk Crediting System (LBCS), an electronic bulk disbursement facility. The LANDBANK MBA was named the “Most Innovative Banking Application” at the 12th Annual International Finance Awards 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Bank was likewise recently recognized as the “Best e-Banking Services Provider” and “Most Reliable Mobile Banking App Provider” at the World Business Outlook Awards 2025 by Singapore-based business magazine, World Business Outlook. Bringing banking closer to more Filipinos As part of its broader digital transformation agenda, LANDBANK continues to innovate how it brings banking services closer to more Filipinos—especially those in underserved and remote areas. LANDBANK began rolling out “phygital” branches in December 2024 that combine physical and digital services for a more streamlined, seamless, and delightful customer experience. These branches showcase a refreshed look, equipped with self-service machines, new queuing and tellering systems, meeting pods, and interactive zones. To further extend its reach, the Bank is ramping up its LANDBANKasama Program, which brings basic banking services to far-flung and underserved areas. By partnering with local cooperatives, associations, rural banks, LGUs, MSMEs, and private entities, the Bank empowers these community-based partners to serve as LANDBANKasama partners, providing services such as cash withdrawal, deposit, fund transfers, bills payment, and balance inquiry. LANDBANK is also pioneering cash-lite ecosystems in key areas, starting with the Province of Batanes. By promoting the use of digital payments and equipping local merchants, residents, students and LGUs with digital financial tools and skills, the initiative promotes the use of cashless transactions as a safer, faster, and more convenient way to manage daily financial needs—ultimately reducing reliance on physical cash and fostering a digitally inclusive local economy. With its digital strategy in full swing, LANDBANK remains committed to accelerating digital transformation and delivering enhanced customer experience across the country—anchored on its mandate to serve the agriculture sector, empower small farmers and fishers, and drive inclusive and sustainable national development for all Filipinos. 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.
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LANDBANK ensures digital banking access during Holy Week
LANDBANK assures its clients of uninterrupted access to its digital banking channels throughout the upcoming Holy Week, maintaining convenient and seamless financial services for individuals and businesses during the long holiday. From April 17 (Maundy Thursday) to April 20 (Easter Sunday), clients may continue to conduct safe and convenient transactions through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), iAccess, and other digital platforms, including the Link.BizPortal for online payments, WeAccess for institutional clients, and the Electronic Tax Payment System (eTPS) for tax-related transactions To promote affordable digital banking, the Bank continues to waive transfer fees for the first three daily transactions of P1,000 and below to other banks via InstaPay and PESONet. Fund transfers between LANDBANK and Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) accounts also remain free of charge, regardless of amount, via the MBA and iAccess. As branches will be closed over the long holiday, all LANDBANK branches nationwide will resume regular banking operations on Monday, 21 April 2024. LANDBANK is ready to service cash needs through its nationwide network of 3,213 ATMs complemented by 3,488 ATMs in select 7-Eleven stores. Withdrawals from 7-Eleven ATMs remain free of charge for all LANDBANK clients. As customers take advantage of digital banking access over the holidays, LANDBANK also reminds the public to remain vigilant against online scams and cybersecurity threats. Clients are advised not to click suspicious links or share sensitive information such as account numbers, usernames, passwords, and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Clients are likewise advised to access the official LANDBANK iAccess site via the official LANDBANK website (https://www.landbank.com) or directly via https://www.lbpiaccess.com. For more #CyberSigurista tips and other updates, follow LANDBANK’s official channels at @LANDBANKOfficial on social media. 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.
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Go digital for tax payments with LANDBANK
With the income tax filing deadline fast approaching, LANDBANK is urging taxpayers to utilize its digital banking channels for fast, secure, and convenient tax payments. Individuals and companies enrolled in the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) can settle their tax dues seamlessly through the LANDBANK Electronic Tax Payment System (eTPS). For individuals and other businesses not eligible to pay via eTPS, taxes can still be paid electronically through the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal, the Bank’s web-based payment channel. Taxpayers simply need to access the platform, select “BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE” from the merchant list, choose the appropriate form type and tax type, and proceed with the payment transaction. “LANDBANK is committed to making tax compliance easier and more efficient for every Filipino. By offering accessible digital payment solutions, we aim to streamline the tax payment process and empower individuals and businesses to contribute to nation-building. We are one with the BIR in fostering a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive tax system for all,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. To further accommodate taxpayers, select LANDBANK branches will have extended banking hours from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, from April 1 to 15, to accept tax payments over the counter. 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.
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