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LANDBANK advances financial inclusion for farmers, fishers in GIDA communities


March 8, 2024

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (middle) leads the rollout of the Bilis Ipon: Digital Financial Inclusion Caravan in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on 01 February 2024 to bring banking and financing services closer to local farmers, fishers, and 4Ps beneficiaries. 

In line with bringing banking and financing services closer to far-flung and underserved communities, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has been rolling out a series of caravans nationwide to introduce the Bank’s digital products and affordable loan offerings. 

LANDBANK has successfully conducted the "Bilis Ipon: Digital Financial Inclusion Caravan” in 13 provinces this year, which includes communities classified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). 

Over 700 farmers, fishers, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and local partners have participated in insightful discussions and demonstrations on how to boost their savings and livelihood. 

The caravan offers participants on-the-spot opening of the new LANDBANK PISO Plus basic deposit account, with no initial deposit and maintaining balance. The rollouts also feature the new AGRISENSO Lending Program, designed to provide affordable credit assistance for small farmers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), among other agriculture players.  

“We at LANDBANK believe that financial inclusion is the cornerstone of empowered and resilient communities. We remain steadfast with our commitment to bridging the financial gap by bringing accessible banking solutions closer to Filipinos, including those in remote and underserved areas,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.

LANDBANK remains the only Bank present in all 82 provinces of the country, with physical presence in 1,437 cities and municipalities out of the total 1,634 for an 88% nationwide coverage as of January 2024. 

To better service GIDAs, the Bank is partnering with local players—cooperatives, rural banks, local government units (LGUs), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and private entities—to provide basic banking services through its LANDBANKasama Program. 

The collaboration helps local customers save on transportation costs as they no longer need to travel to other towns and cities to perform cash withdrawals and cash deposits, fund transfers, bills payments, and balance inquiries, among basic banking transactions. 


(left photo) Plaridel Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon (4th from left) and LANDBANK senior officials join the participants after the successful cash-out demonstration with a LANDBANKasama Partner during the Digital Financial Inclusion Caravan in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental on 16 February 2024. (right photo) Plaridel Farmer Lolita C. Palangpangan shares that the presence of a LANDBANKasama Partner near them can save her P70 on transportation. 

“Ang nakaayo sa LANDBANK kay dili na kaayo gastos kay mas gamay na man ang among plitehan kay naa ra man sa duol ang among co-op, ikumpara sa moadto mi sa LANDBANK branch nga layo,” said farmer Lolita C. Palangpangan during the recent Caravan in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, noting that she now saves P70 on transportation. 

(“One benefit of LANDBANKasama is lower transportation costs for us since our co-op is located nearby, compared to the fare we pay for traveling to a more distant LANDBANK branch.”)

Another leg of the Caravan in Ilocos Sur on 01 February 2024 saw LANDBANK sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) to onboard more than 400 cooperative-affiliates as new LANDBANKasama Partners.

The Bank currently has over 1,080 LANDBANKasama Partners nationwide operating 1,825 point-of-sale (POS) terminals. 

The next run of the LANDBANK Bilis Ipon: Digital Financial Inclusion Caravan will be held in Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, and Negros Occidental, in line with the Bank’s continuing efforts to promote financial inclusion and inclusive development in the country. 

ABOUT LANDBANK

LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation and sustainable development to benefit Filipinos. It is committed to provide responsive and meaningful services beyond banking, while leveraging on innovative technology for safe, convenient, and accessible digital banking solutions. 


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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

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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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