(clockwise from upper left) National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NFHFI) Chairman Chester Warren Y. Tan; RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. (RDF) Founder and CEO Dr. Robert H. Lo; Bureau of Animal Industry – Livestock Research and Development Division (BAI-LRDD) Research and Management Section Head Maria Laarni P. Cerna; and LANDBANK Program Management Department I, Assistant Vice President Edgardo S. Luzano lead the second run of the LANDBANK AgriSenso Virtual Forum, which puts the spotlight on the latest challenges, trends and opportunities in the local livestock industry.
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) gathered key agriculture players who underscored the importance of adopting science-based approaches and latest technologies to address the challenges facing livestock raisers and achieve self-sufficiency in meat and dairy production.
The second run of the LANDBANK AgriSenso Virtual Forum on 30 August 2022 put the spotlight on the livestock industry and featured National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NFHFI) Chairman Chester Warren Y. Tan; RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. (RDF) Founder and CEO Dr. Robert H. Lo; Bureau of Animal Industry – Livestock Research and Development Division (BAI-LRDD) Research and Management Section Head Maria Laarni P. Cerna; and LANDBANK Program Management Department I Assistant Vice President Edgardo S. Luzano.
NFHFI Chairman Tan said that the livestock industry remains resilient despite various challenges caused by climate change, high production costs, global animal diseases, and market slowdown. Many pig farmers, for instance, have already succeeded in their re-population efforts amid threats from the African Swine Fever (ASF) by adopting strict and globally-accepted biosecurity standards, he shared.
“The challenge is to educate, teach, and get all farmers to commit and accept the new normal of swine farming. We must learn to live with the virus and protect our farms by strengthening our biosecurity and facilities,” Chairman Tan said.
RDF Founder and CEO Dr. Lo likewise believes that embracing innovation is key to overcoming present challenges besetting the livestock industry. He shared innovative approaches that the RDF adopted to manage the impact of ASF and climate change, among others.
“The best time to re-populate is now because of the insufficient supply in the market. And if we re-populate, we need to do it right by applying a science-based approach to increase production. With bigger farms and good biosecurity, we can achieve this,” said Dr. Lo.
Meanwhile, BAI-LRDD Research and Management Section Head Cerna discussed the country’s roadmap for the livestock industry, and shared the budgetary requirements to implement all the programs and projects included in the plan.
LANDBANK Lending Programs
LANDBANK Assistant Vice President Luzano discussed available credit programs for hog raisers, as well as stakeholders engaged in dairy production, processing, marketing, and other dairy-based economic activities.
Designed in support of National Government efforts to re-populate and increase local hog production, LANDBANK is offering the SWINE (Special Window and Interim Support to Nurture Hog Enterprises) Lending Program to commercial hog raisers registered as cooperatives or farmers’ associations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large enterprises or corporations.
As of 31 July 2022, LANDBANK has approved loans totaling P3.2 billion to 25 borrowers under the SWINE Lending Program, with outstanding loans amounting to P1.8 billion.
To boost the local dairy industry, LANDBANK also provides credit assistance under the MILK (Masustansiyang Inumin para sa Likas na Kalusugan) Program for qualified cooperatives or associations, federations, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), SMEs, and agri-business entities.
A total of P183 million in loans have been approved to seven borrowers under the LANDBANK MILK Program as of end-July 2022, with outstanding loans of P89.4 million.
The AgriSenso Virtual Forums form part of LANDBANK’s intensified support to the agriculture sector and addresses the request of customers to learn more about available credit facilities. Each session focuses on a specific agriculture industry or topic, with industry experts and players invited to share insights, best practices, and opportunities for growth.
The next run of the LANDBANK AgriSenso Virtual Forum will be held on 12 September 2022 to discuss the legislated programs for individual farmers jointly implemented by LANDBANK and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
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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.
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LANDBANK extends P1.3-B financing for Isabela Feed Mill Complex
ILAGAN CITY, ISABELA — LANDBANK has sealed a financing deal with Sagittarian Agricultural Philippines, Inc. (SAPI) to support the construction of the Isabela Feed Mill Complex, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the country’s agricultural sector. Under the partnership, LANDBANK will provide a P1.2 billion loan to partially fund the development of the 15-hectare feed mill facility in the country’s corn capital, plus an additional P100 million credit line to support SAPI’s working capital needs. Strategically located in this city to maximize Isabela’s abundant corn supply, the Feed Mill Complex will be leased to Charoen Pokphand Philippines Corporation (CPFPC), a leading food and agro-industrial company and a long-standing LANDBANK client. The project is expected to increase corn prices from P1.00 to P2.00 per kilogram, benefiting an estimated 97,734 small farmers across Isabela and neighboring provinces. “With this investment, LANDBANK reaffirms its commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, empowering local farmers, and strengthening the country’s food security and support the agriculture value chain,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The loan and credit line signing ceremony was led by LANDBANK Northern Luzon Lending Group Head First Vice President Eduardo N. Reyes Jr. and Northern Isabela Lending Center Head Myra Myrtha M. Padolina, alongside SAPI President and CEO Jose Avelino C. Diaz and Corporate Secretary Atty. Danver Albert R. Arzaga. Also present as witnesses were City of Ilagan Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, Vice Mayor Kyrill S. Bello, CPFPC Vice President Suchart Panparn, Assistant Vice President Darwin Lictawa, and LANDBANK Account Officer Honeylee B. Gomez. 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 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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