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LANDBANK caps off 2020 with new ‘agri-hubs’ for farmers, fishers


January 14, 2021

In line with its continuing thrust toward greater financial inclusion, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) wrapped-up 2020 by further expanding touchpoints in key strategic areas nationwide to bring financial services closer to more farmers and fishers.

The state-run bank established four Agri-Hubs in December which provide banking, lending and agrarian services in the country’s top rice-producing provinces and unbanked and underserved rice farming areas.

“Amidst the ongoing pandemic, LANDBANK remains steadfast in delivering safe and reliable financial services to unbanked and underserved communities in the country. We will continue to intensify support and respond to the developing needs of the agriculture sector, most especially the small farmers and fishers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

LANDBANK inaugurated its first-ever Agri-Hub in the Municipality of Calabanga, Camarines Sur to service farmers and fishers from the area, alongside neighboring municipalities of Siruma, Bombon, Magarao, and Tinambac.

The opening of the Calabanga Agri-Hub was led by Calabanga Mayor Eduardo A. Severo and Southeast Luzon Branches Group Head, Senior Vice President Althon C. Ferolino. They were joined by LANDBANK Legazpi Branch Head, Assistant Vice President Cesar A. Ramirez, Naga Rotunda Branch Head Melanie D. Avila, and Calabanga Agri-Hub Head Emma Ruth Estadilla.

Meanwhile, the Barotac Viejo Agri-Hub in Iloilo will serve the 26 barangays of the Municipality of Barotac Viejo, as well as the nearby towns of Banate and San Rafael.

Barotac Viejo Mayor Nielo C. Tupas and LANDBANK West Visayas Branches Group Head, First Vice President Delma O. Bandiola led the inauguration rites of the Barotac Viejo Agri-Hub, together with former Barotac Viejo Mayor Myrna C. Tupas, LANDBANK Corporate Affairs Group Head, Vice President Vivian M. Cañonero, Iloilo Branch Head, Assistant Vice President Rudina D. Pastrana, and Barotac Viejo Agri-Hub Head Merebeth B. Collado.

LANDBANK also opened the Sual Agri-Hub in Pangasinan—the first Agri-Hub in North Luzon—which will bring the Bank’s services closer to farmers and fishers in the Municipality of Sual and Labrador.

The inauguration of Sual Agri-Hub was led by Sual Mayor Liseldo D.Q. Calugay and North Luzon Branches Group Head, First Vice President Ma. Belma T. Turla, Alaminos Branch Head Roehl S. Bautista, and Sual Agri-Hub Head Rolando B. Jaquias.

Meanwhile, the Echague Agri-Hub in Isabela will cater primarily to the 2,533 farmers within the 64 barangays in the municipality.

Echague Vice Mayor Amado Gaffud, Special Assistant to the Mayor Josephine Rivera, and LANDBANK Ilagan Branch Head, Assistant Vice President Lorenzo M. Saquing led the opening of the Echague Agri-Hub. With them were Isabela State University Admin and Finance Services Vice President, Atty. Romano P. Cammayo, and LANDBANK officials namely Santiago Branch Head, Assistant Vice President Catherine M. Guerrero, San Isidro Branch Head Leilani S. Antolin, and the staff of the Echague Agri-Hub led by Ms. Josephine A. Lorenzo.

In addition, LANDBANK inaugurated its newest branch in the Municipality of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental on December 28, 2020—LANDBANK’s 8th branch in the Province complemented by 59 ATMs.

The LANDBANK Balingasag Branch will serve the banking and financing needs of more than 3,000 farmers and fishers covering the municipalities of Balingasag, Jasaan, Lagonglong and Salay.

Balingasag Mayor Alexis S. Quina and LANDBANK West Mindanao Branches Group Head, Vice President Lina K. Pacio led the Balingasag Branch inauguration rites. They were joined by Balingasag Vice Mayor Felix H. Borromeo and LANDBANK officials namely Capistrano Branch Head, Assistant Vice President Josephine B. Mercadal and Balingasag Branch Head Mark Chester T. Yongco.

LANDBANK now has a total of 411 branches and 65 branch-lites across all 81 provinces nationwide.

For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).


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