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(clockwise from upper left) Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry Officer-in-Charge - Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban; LANDBANK Corporate Affairs Group Head, Vice President Vivian M. Cañonero; LANDBANK Program Management Department I Head, Assistant Vice President Edgardo S. Luzano; Kennemer Foods International, Inc. President Simon Bakker; and Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO) Operations Manager Mark Horace E. Gregorio lead the sixth run of the LANDBANK AgriSenso Virtual Forum, which puts the spotlight on boosting the production of plantation crops in the country.
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) gathered farmers and stakeholders to discuss the National Government’s support interventions to boost the local production of plantation crops, as part of the Bank’s commitment to serve the diverse requirements of the agriculture sector.
During the sixth run of the LANDBANK AgriSenso Virtual Forums, Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry OIC-Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D. and LANDBANK Assistant Vice President Edgardo S. Luzano led the discussions on the available technical and credit assistance for farmers engaged in the production of plantation crops, such as banana, cacao, coffee, rubber and pineapple.
They were joined by Kennemer Foods International, Inc. President Simon Bakker and Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO) Operations Manager Mark Horace E. Gregorio, who shared how LANDBANK’s affordable financing programs helped expand their operations and boost their income.
For his part, DA OIC-Director Panganiban shared updates on the local industries of plantation crops as well as challenges experienced by the subsector, which include limited infrastructure and post-harvest facilities, high cost of production, and limited access to quality planting materials, among others.
To address these challenges, he presented various support interventions for farmers under the DA’s High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), including the distribution of planting materials, machineries and equipment, construction of facilities, and capacity building activities for farmers.
LANDBANK lending programs
Meanwhile, LANDBANK Assistant Vice President Luzano presented LANDBANK’s available credit programs to further strengthen support for the various industries of plantation crops.
Under the Sulong Saka Program, LANDBANK can finance the production of high-value crops and other related projects, such as the establishment of nursery, budwood/mother plant/parent clone gardens, as well as the establishment of new plantations, and the replanting, rejuvenation and rehabilitation of old trees.
Individual small farm holders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, farmers associations and organizations, large agribusiness enterprises and corporations, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and countryside financial institutions (CFIs) may avail loans under the Program.
As of end-October, LANDBANK has approved P17.8 billion in loans to 1,245 borrowers under the LANDBANK Sulong Saka Lending Program.
To support the agricultural value chains of cacao, coffee, coconut, and processed fruits and nuts, LANDBANK is also offering the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth or RAPID Growth Credit Facility, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
This Credit Facility aims to provide strategic business development interventions and matching grants to support qualified Program beneficiaries endorsed by the DTI, including cooperatives, farmers' associations and organizations, NGOs, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in selected provinces in Regions 8, 9 10, 11, 12, 13 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Loans availed under the facility can be used for production, including the development of new plantation, replanting, rejuvenation, and rehabilitation of old trees; establishment of nursery gardens; post-harvest activities; processing or manufacturing, packaging and storing, as well as trading.
Jointly organized by the LANDBANK Corporate Affairs Group and Lending Program Management Group, the LANDBANK AgriSenso Virtual Forums form part of the Bank’s response to the request of customers and stakeholders to have more opportunities to learn more about the Bank’s available credit facilities.
LANDBANK wins big at ARTA Awards for excellent service
LANDBANK Branch Banking Sector Head, Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (5th from right) leads the 12 branch awardees in accepting recognition from ARTA for their outstanding service delivery during the Report Card Survey (RCS) Awards Ceremony. LANDBANK led the roster of government agencies recognized for exemplary service, with 12 of its branches earning top marks in the 2023 Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0 by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). The LANDBANK branches were honored at the ARTA RCS Awards Ceremony at Conrad Manila on 30 October 2024, underscoring the Bank’s collective commitment to providing efficient, high-quality services in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law. “These recognitions from ARTA reflect LANDBANK’s dedication to empowering Filipinos with accessible, streamlined financial services. We remain committed to excellent customer experience as we support inclusive countryside to countrywide progress,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The ARTA RCS 2.0 is a holistic tool that measures the quality, efficiency, and adequacy of government services. Of all the Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) surveyed, the LANDBANK Cauayan and Talibon branches earned the highest ratings, each receiving a Gold Award. Six other LANDBANK offices were also recognized with Gold Awards, including branches in San Isidro in Isabela, P. Ocampo in Manila, Bataan - National Highway, LANDBANK Head Office Cash Department in Manila, Cotabato City Hall, and Don M. Banzon in Balanga. Meanwhile, LANDBANK branches in Mabolo, San Carlos City in Pangasinan, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, and Pasig - Sixto Antonio earned Silver Awards. These achievements reinforce LANDBANK's commitment to drive national progress by continually raising public service standards as a leader in service innovation and customer satisfaction. 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.
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LANDBANK launches financial lifeline for pensioners, gov’t employees
In line with providing responsive financial solutions, LANDBANK is introducing a new loan facility designed to offer accessible financial assistance specifically to pensioners and government employees. Through the LANDBANK Pension and Emergency Relief (PeER) Loan Facility, eligible borrowers can secure loans between P20,000 to P100,000 at an affordable interest rate of 10% per annum, for emergency expenses, medical needs, and other urgent financial requirements. "We are committed to expanding our accessible services for our diverse clientele, including extending financial relief during critical circumstances. The new PeER Loan Facility provides timely financial assistance tailored to help them in times of urgent need,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK PeER Loan Facility offers two loan options: the Pension Loan, offered to qualified clients with LANDBANK pension accounts, and the Emergency Relief Loan, available to regular government employees with LANDBANK payroll accounts and at least one year of service. Interested clients can apply for the PeER Loan at any LANDBANK branch or by contacting LANDBANK’s Customer Service Hotline at 02 8405 7000. The PeER Loan Facility is part of LANDBANK’s continuing commitment to promote financial security and resilience, empowering clients to better manage unforeseen expenses with confidence. 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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A united front for agriculture: LANDBANK, Partners launch AGRISENSO Plus to boost agri value chain
LANDBANK, alongside government and public sector partners, launch the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program which targets 10,000 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries to benefit from accessible credit assistance and capacity-building support to help improve productivity, enhance income, and advance sustainable growth. CANDABA, Pampanga – LANDBANK, in collaboration with Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and other government and private partners, is strengthening its support for the agriculture sector through the launch of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program on 22 November 2024 at the Candaba Action Center in Brgy. Mandasig. The AGRISENSO Plus Program, an enhanced version of LANDANK’s existing initiative, is designed to deliver a full suite of support—featuring expanded eligibility, lower interest rates, and simplified loan process to provide broader access to credit and other support interventions for small farmers, fishers, and agribusinesses, and other players in the agriculture value chain.AGRISENSO Plus targets 10,000 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to benefit from accessible credit assistance and capacity-building support to help improve productivity, enhance income, and advance sustainable growth. "AGRISENSO Plus reflects LANDBANK's commitment to providing holistic and meaningful support to the entire agriculture sector. Through strategic collaborations with public and private partners, we are complementing accessible credit with insurance benefits, capacity-building and other interventions to boost productivity, enhance income, drive sustainable growth, and contribute to national food security," said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The AGRISENSO Plus Program launch brought together key government partners, including Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Secretary Lorenzo “Larry” G. Gadon, DA Undersecretary Asis G. Perez, DAR OIC-Director III Sieramon A. Lacambra, Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Deputy Executive Director Cristina G. Lopez, and local government officials of the Province of Pampanga. AGREA Agricultural Communities International Foundation, Inc. (AGREA) President and CEO Cherrie D. Atilano also attended as partner to provide capacity-building interventions to borrowers, together with LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation Inc. (LCDFI). Private sector partners likewise joined the launch such as SariSuki, an online community platform that connects small farmers directly to consumers for fresh produce; KITA Agritech, which provides technological solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency; and TAO Foods, a company focused on sustainable food production and processing. The enhanced LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Program widens its scope to cover a broader range of beneficiaries, including small fishers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the agricultural value chain. Eligible borrowers also include agriculture graduates, who will now be eligible to access the Program within three years after graduation, nurturing the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs. Beyond financing, AGRISENSO Plus also provides small farmers and fishers and ARB borrowers with free life insurance and credit life insurance. Program borrowers are also qualified for training and capacity-building programs to enhance agricultural practices and business management skills, supporting more sustainable and resilient agribusinesses. LANDBANK has simplified the AGRISENSO Plus application process by reducing documentary requirements. Purchase Orders are no longer required for individual farmers, and endorsements from Irrigators’ Associations are no longer needed for farmers in irrigated areas. Meanwhile, ARBs who are also rice farmers now have the option to use endorsements from either the DAR or the NIA. The AGRISENSO Plus offers a fixed affordable interest rate of 4.0% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and ARBs, while other borrowers benefit from a competitive rate of 6.5%-7.5% per annum. Large enterprises and anchor firms lending to their partner small farmers and fishers and their cooperatives and associations, and ARBs and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), also gain a concessional interest rate with a 0.5% discount, fostering collaborative growth across the agriculture value chain. Existing AGRISENSO borrowers with approved credit lines will automatically transition to AGRISENSO Plus upon their next loan availment, allowing them to benefit from the program’s enhanced features. Interested borrowers can apply for the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program at any LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch, or by contacting LANDBANK’s Customer Service Hotline at 028405700. Through the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, LANDBANK remains a steadfast partner in agricultural and rural development, helping to drive economic growth and food security for the nation. 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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