(left photo) Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial (middle), LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (leftmost), and OFBank President and CEO Randolph L. Montesa (rightmost) sign an agreement for the conduct of financial education seminars for overseas Filipinos in Italy at the Philippine Embassy in Rome on 12 October 2023. (right photos) Leaders and members of Filipino communities in Rome and Milan participate in the financial education seminars conducted by LANDBANK and OFBank, in partnership with other government agencies.
About 180,000 Filipinos living and working in Italy and Switzerland are expected to benefit from a series of free financial education seminars of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Overseas Filipinos Bank (OFBank), in line with the National Government’s push for greater financial inclusion.
The state-run banks will be working closely with the Philippine embassies and consulates from the two countries, along with the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) overseas operating arms, to provide overseas Filipinos (OFs) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with basic knowledge on saving, digital banking, financial security, and investing.
The free financial education seminars also cover discussions on innovative banking solutions offered by LANDBANK and OFBank to better manage finances, which include safe and secure savings options, real-time fund transfer service for remittances, investment instruments, and loan products.
“Providing financial education—particularly to our kababayans abroad—goes a long way in contributing to the economic growth and stability of the Philippines. This will complement ongoing efforts of other government agencies to support and empower OFWs and other Filipinos overseas towards greater financial freedom, stability, and prosperity,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.
Financial education seminars for around 167,000 Filipinos in Italy will be organized as part of the agreement between LANDBANK, OFBank, and the Philippine Embassy in Rome. This collaboration was formalized by Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial, LANDBANK President Ortiz, and OFBank President and CEO Randolph L. Montesa on 12 October 2023 at the Philippine Embassy in Rome.
Following the agreement, three financial education seminars were held in the cities of Rome, Milan, and Bologna from October 12 to 15 that gathered around 350 leaders and members of Filipino communities in Italy. Participants were able to open OFBank accounts during the seminars and enjoy the convenience of digital banking.
In coordination with the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Philippine Consulate General in Geneva, LANDBANK and OFBank also conducted a financial education seminar in Geneva, Switzerland on 16 October 2023. About 80 overseas Filipinos participated in the event and successfully opened online bank accounts.
The state-run banks aim to hold free seminars in Switzerland for the benefit of over 14,600 overseas Filipinos there.
LANDBANK and OFBank remain steadfast in their mutual commitment to promoting financial inclusion and security among overseas Filipinos and their families by equipping them with the necessary financial knowledge and resources.
LANDBANK maintains top GOCC status, bags multiple governance awards
Director Virginia N. Orogo (5th from right) accepts the award on behalf of LANDBANK for being the top GOCC in corporate governance for 2023 from Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin (6th from right), GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus (7th from right), and GCG Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka (8th from right) and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez (rightmost) during the 2024 GCG Awards Ceremony on 25 November 2024 at the PICC Complex in Pasay City. Joining them are LANDBANK Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (4th from right), Senior Vice President Atty. Roderick P. Sacro (leftmost), and Vice Presidents Atty. Myra-Lyn S. Peñalosa (3rd from right), May D. Arizabal (2nd from right), and Atty. Nikkolas G. Tolentino (9th from right). (Photo credits to GCG) LANDBANK was named the top government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) for the second consecutive year, earning the highest rating for corporate governance in 2023 from the Governance Commission of GOCCs (GCG). The state-run Bank garnered an unprecedented rating of 104% on the GCG’s Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS), exceeding the rating ceiling of 100%. The CGS is an evaluation tool that assesses the corporate governance practices of GOCCs, using a methodology aligned with international standards. “Being recognized anew as the top GOCC for corporate governance reflects LANDBANK’s steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service. This recognition drives us further to continuously foster a culture of good governance, ensuring that we remain a reliable and trusted partner in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the nation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, alongside GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus and Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, conferred the award to LANDBANK during the 2024 GCG Awards Ceremony at the PICC Complex in Pasay City. LANDBANK Director Virginia N. Orogo received the award on behalf of the Bank, along with Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron, Senior Vice President Atty. Roderick P. Sacro, and Vice Presidents Atty. Myra-Lyn S. Peñalosa, May D. Arizabal, and Atty. Nikkolas G. Tolentino. LANDBANK also ranked among the top-ranking GOCCs in the 2023 GCG Performance Evaluation System (PES), which measures the achievements of GOCCs based on performance criteria, targets, and weighted indicators outlined in the Performance Scorecard. In addition, LANDBANK received a Sustainability Award for its outstanding commitment to sustainability values and practices. The Bank was further lauded for consistently achieving high scores in the "Responsibilities of the Board" section of the Corporate Governance Scorecard and for adhering to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards in its Sustainability Reporting for calendar years 2021 to 2023. LANDBANK has long been committed to upholding the highest ethical standards while faithfully fulfilling its role in nation-building. In 2024, the Bank remitted a record-setting P32.119 billion in cash dividends to the National Government—the highest in the Bank’s history and among all GOCCs—to support the country’s priority infrastructure projects and socio-economic programs. From governance to sustainability, LANDBANK continues to set benchmarks for excellence in the public sector, solidifying its role as a key and reliable partner in empowering the country’s drive toward inclusive progress. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide. # # #
LEARN MORE
LANDBANK remains financially strong, regulatory compliant
LANDBANK reaffirms its financial strength and stability, following the Bank’s P50-billion contribution to the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), and remains fully committed to its mandate as a reliable partner to the national government’s inclusive development agenda. The state-run Bank has consistently met and exceeded the minimum requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)—a critical benchmark of financial health—as it stays financially robust with no urgent need for additional capital. Earlier this year, LANDBANK remitted P32.119 billion in cash dividends to the National Government—the highest among all Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and in the Bank’s history. This milestone reflects the Bank's sustained financial strength and ability to generate consistent revenues while fulfilling its developmental mandate. As of 30 November 2024, LANDBANK’s CAR remains at a healthy level of 16.42% which is well above the 10% regulatory threshold, further demonstrating the Bank’s resilience against financial and operational risks. Following the P50-billion seed capital allocation to the MIF in September 2023, LANDBANK’s CAR stood at 16.20%, remaining comfortably above regulatory requirements and reflecting the Bank’s commitment to financial stability. The Bank also clarified that regulatory relief was sought from the BSP as a proactive measure to maintain resilience. LANDBANK has consistently adhered to prudent financial management practices, effectively utilizing its resources to promote agriculture, fisheries and rural development, and empower key development sectors. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
LEARN MORE
Elevating customer experience: LANDBANK inaugurates ‘phygital’ Branch
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (6th from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch, alongside Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (5th from left). Joining them are Initao Mayor Mercy Grace J. Acain (4th from left), 2nd District of Misamis Oriental Board Member Gerardo P. Sabal III (2nd from left), with LANDBANK officials including Executive Vice President Maria Celeste A. Burgos (7th from left), Senior Vice Presidents Charlotte I. Conde (8th from left) and Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva (rightmost), and First Vice President Lina K. Pacio (leftmost), with LBRDC Director Lourdes Candy R. Darimbang (3rd from left), and other local partners. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – LANDBANK continues to elevate and redefine banking with the inauguration of its ‘phygital’ branch, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to delivering a more modern, convenient, and delightful customer experience. The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch features a refreshed look and a blend of high-touch and high-tech banking, that provide an efficient fusion of physical and digital services to clients. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the inauguration of the Masterson Phygital Branch located at the Misamis Oriental Corporate Center, Block 62, Lot 1, Xavier Estates Commercial Area, Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) on 12 December 2024. “The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch blends the warmth and reliability of traditional banking with the agility and convenience of digital innovation. This inauguration is in step with reimagining the LANDBANK banking experience, ensuring that financial services are more accessible and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch features self-service machines such as ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines that allow clients to perform transactions quickly with options for card, cardless, and biometric authentication. The Branch is also equipped with the LANDBANK Easy Access (LEA) system, which is an enhanced queuing management system that eliminates the need for filling out forms. It likewise has the LANDBANK Digital Online Banking System (DOBS) which streamlines account opening for a hassle-free start to financial management. The Masterson Phygital Branch also has an explore zone with meeting pods to provide clients with personalized assistance and opportunity to learn about LANDBANK’s wide range of products and services tailored to meet their financial goals. Following the Masterson Phygital Branch, LANDBANK is soon to launch two other phygital branches in Amlan, Negros Oriental and in Makati City in Manila. The branch also complements the operations of eleven other LANDBANK branches and branch-lite units in Balingasag, Puerto, Gingoog, Velez, Capistrano, Limketkai, Carmen, CDO Centro, CDO Cogon, and El Salvador City, including the Claveria Agri-Hub. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its commitment to provide clients with enhanced and personalized services—ensuring a banking experience that’s convenient, efficient, and focused on customer needs, empowering Filipinos to reach their financial goals. 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
24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE
