LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (rightmost) receives the award from ADFIAP Chairman Saud A. Minam (center) and First Vice Chairman Kao Thach (leftmost) for the Bank’s development project on rural electrification under the Infrastructure Development category during the ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 16 May 2024. (Photo credit to ADFIAP)
In recognition of its steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable development, Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has been conferred with two international awards by the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) for its development projects on rural electrification and financial inclusion.
LANDBANK’s BRIGHTNESS Lending Program, which stands for BRinging Inclusive Growth in every Household Through National Electrification Support Services, won in the Infrastructure Development category, while the Bank’s support to ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc.’s (ASA Philippines) credit expansion for underserved women earned a Merit Award in the Financial Inclusion category.
ADFIAP Chairman Saud A. Minam, First Vice Chairman Kao Thach, and Second Vice Chairman Aria Putera Ismail presented the awards to LANDBANK, represented by Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, at the ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards on 16 May 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“LANDBANK is honored to receive these prestigious awards from ADFIAP, which underscore our unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable and inclusive development. This recognition inspires us to continue empowering underserved communities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing quality of life for our valued clients," said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.
Launched in 2013, LANDBANK BRIGHTNESS Lending Program aims to expand energy access in barangays to spur growth and generate more economic activities in the countryside by providing financing assistance to qualified distribution utilities and wholesale power aggregators.
This initiative supports the National Government’s rural electrification efforts under Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law),” which ensures the quality, reliability, security and affordability of electric power supply nationwide.
As of 31 March 2024, total approved loans under the BRIGHTNESS Lending Program have reached P13.7 billion, supporting over 4.8 million households with reliable power supply.
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LANDBANK, represented by Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos (center), also receives a merit award under the Financial Inclusion category as presented by ADFIAP Chairman Saud A. Minam (rightmost) and Second Vice Chairman Aria Putera Ismail (leftmost). (Photo credit to ADFIAP)
Meanwhile, LANDBANK’s support enabled ASA Philippines to raise P5.0 billion through a five-year syndicated corporate notes facility. Dubbed “Project Nanay First,” the proceeds from the offer are aimed to reach and empower more women, particularly mothers, from economically disadvantaged sectors through the provision of accessible financing.
ASA Philippines’ five-year corporate notes issuance was classified as the first-ever Gender Bonds issued in the country, as certified by social bond second-party opinion provider DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The partnership promotes broader financial inclusion in alignment with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and advocates for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
ADFIAP serves as the focal point of all development banks and other financial institutions engaged in development financing across the Asia-Pacific region, with the mission to advance sustainable development through its members. The annual ADFIAP Awards recognizes member-institutions that have made important contributions to national development.
ABOUT LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation and sustainable development to benefit Filipinos. The Bank is present in all 82 provinces in the county, committed to providing accessible and affordable financial support to key players and industries as part of its broader thrust of serving the nation.
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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
LANDBANK assures its clients of uninterrupted access to its digital banking channels throughout the upcoming Holy Week, maintaining convenient and seamless financial services for individuals and businesses during the long holiday. From April 17 (Maundy Thursday) to April 20 (Easter Sunday), clients may continue to conduct safe and convenient transactions through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), iAccess, and other digital platforms, including the Link.BizPortal for online payments, WeAccess for institutional clients, and the Electronic Tax Payment System (eTPS) for tax-related transactions To promote affordable digital banking, the Bank continues to waive transfer fees for the first three daily transactions of P1,000 and below to other banks via InstaPay and PESONet. Fund transfers between LANDBANK and Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) accounts also remain free of charge, regardless of amount, via the MBA and iAccess. As branches will be closed over the long holiday, all LANDBANK branches nationwide will resume regular banking operations on Monday, 21 April 2024. LANDBANK is ready to service cash needs through its nationwide network of 3,213 ATMs complemented by 3,488 ATMs in select 7-Eleven stores. Withdrawals from 7-Eleven ATMs remain free of charge for all LANDBANK clients. As customers take advantage of digital banking access over the holidays, LANDBANK also reminds the public to remain vigilant against online scams and cybersecurity threats. Clients are advised not to click suspicious links or share sensitive information such as account numbers, usernames, passwords, and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Clients are likewise advised to access the official LANDBANK iAccess site via the official LANDBANK website (https://www.landbank.com) or directly via https://www.lbpiaccess.com. For more #CyberSigurista tips and other updates, follow LANDBANK’s official channels at @LANDBANKOfficial on social media. 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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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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