President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (center) signs into law the New Agrarian Emancipation Act on July 7, 2023, with Agrarian Reform Secretary and LANDBANK Board Member Conrado M. Estrella III (8th from right) and other DAR officials, together with LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (3rd from right), Executive Vice President Alex A. Lorayes (4th from right), and Vice President Atty. Marife Lynn O. Pascua (2nd from right) witnessing the event. (photo courtesy of DAR).
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) ensures that it will be working closely with government partners for the seamless and immediate implementation of the new law that frees agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) nationwide from agrarian debts, in line with efforts to boost and modernize the agriculture sector.
The National Government is writing-off land amortizations managed by LANDBANK amounting to P57.74 billion as of 30 June 2023—effectively relieving over 649,000 ARBs tilling 1.17 million hectares of land debt.
The condonation is part of the landmark Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act signed by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on 7 July 2023.
Of the P57.74 billion, the National Government will condone outright P14.56 billion in principal loans of over 263,000 ARBs upon the effectivity of the law.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in coordination with LANDBANK, will also expedite the processing of the remaining P43.17 billion principal loans of over 385,000 ARBs.
“We are proud to be part of this landmark initiative of the Marcos Administration to free farmers from debt and help them start anew. LANDBANK will likewise continue to pour investments and extend support initiatives for farmers nationwide to boost their productivity and income,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act condones all loans, including interests, penalties, and surcharges incurred by ARBs from land awarded to them under Presidential Decree 27 (Tenant Emancipation Decree issued in 1972), Republic Act No. 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988), and Republic Act No. 9700 (An Act strengthening the CARP and extending the acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands, issued in 2009).
The DAR will issue the implementing rules and regulations of the new law, in coordination with the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council Executive Committee (PARC ExCom) and with the technical expertise of LANDBANK, within 60 days from the issuance of the Act.
For his part, Agrarian Reform Secretary and LANDBANK Board Member Conrado M. Estrella III lauded Congress for the immediate passage of the law, and expressed gratitude to LANDBANK for its consistent support to ARBs over the years.
“Nagpapasalamat din po kami sa mga taga-LANDBANK sapagkat sila po ay very active na nagbibigay po ng credit assistance sa ating mga ARBs,” he said.
LANDBANK has extended P2.7 billion in loans to 2,356 individual ARBs and 469 ARB cooperatives and farmers’ associations nationwide.
Apart from credit assistance, LANDBANK also provides financial literacy and capability-building seminars to make sure borrowers are equipped with basic financial knowledge to manage their finances and boost their income.
LANDBANK remains financially strong, regulatory compliant
LANDBANK reaffirms its financial strength and stability, following the Bank’s P50-billion contribution to the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), and remains fully committed to its mandate as a reliable partner to the national government’s inclusive development agenda. The state-run Bank has consistently met and exceeded the minimum requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)—a critical benchmark of financial health—as it stays financially robust with no urgent need for additional capital. Earlier this year, LANDBANK remitted P32.119 billion in cash dividends to the National Government—the highest among all Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and in the Bank’s history. This milestone reflects the Bank's sustained financial strength and ability to generate consistent revenues while fulfilling its developmental mandate. As of 30 November 2024, LANDBANK’s CAR remains at a healthy level of 16.42% which is well above the 10% regulatory threshold, further demonstrating the Bank’s resilience against financial and operational risks. Following the P50-billion seed capital allocation to the MIF in September 2023, LANDBANK’s CAR stood at 16.20%, remaining comfortably above regulatory requirements and reflecting the Bank’s commitment to financial stability. The Bank also clarified that regulatory relief was sought from the BSP as a proactive measure to maintain resilience. LANDBANK has consistently adhered to prudent financial management practices, effectively utilizing its resources to promote agriculture, fisheries and rural development, and empower key development sectors. 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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From ‘Ad Man’ to ‘Mushroom Man’: Farmer cultivates success with LANDBANK’s support
Roderick Capalongan left his career in advertising in 2014 to venture into mushroom farming, and is now a leading supplier of mushrooms in his home town of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, including Manila, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, Tarlac, and Pampanga. SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya – Roderick Capalongan built a dynamic career in advertising, mastering project management, below-the-line communications, and complex campaign operations. But what started as a side hustle soon turned into his true passion—mushroom farming. Inspired by a fellow farming enthusiast, Roderick initially ventured into mushroom production to generate extra income for his family. However, what began as a small project soon became his full-time calling. In 2014, he left advertising behind to grow mushrooms on a 2-hectare farmland he inherited from his grandfather. Roderick named his own farm “Mushroom Man” and used recycled agricultural waste, such as rice straw, as substrate to grow oyster mushrooms. As demand grew, so did Roderick’s desire to scale up the business. In 2016, he found a reliable partner in Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) which stepped in with an initial loan of P300,000.00, giving Roderick the boost he needed to expand his operations. “Salamat sa LANDBANK dahil palagi silang handang sumuporta sa akin at sa projects ko. Sa tulong nila, nakapagpatayo ako ng facilities at nakapag-expand ng farm ko,” said Roderick. Over the years, LANDBANK has extended a total of P6.25 million to support Roderick’s mushroom production, which covered the purchase of equipment and the construction of mushroom housing, and even the expansion to tilapia and catfish production. The Mushroom Man currently delivers fresh produce daily to market outlets in Nueva Vizcaya and Manila, as well as in the provinces of Isabela, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite and Cagayan Valley. Innovation meets sustainability Roderick adopted an integrated farming business model that combines mushroom production with tilapia fish farming to minimize farm waste, reduce operational costs, and promote resource efficiency. One of his sustainable farm methods involve recycling mushroom spent—a byproduct of his mushroom production—to cultivate duckweeds as an alternative to artificial commercial fish feeds. This recycling practice reduced the cost of his tilapia production by half and significantly increased his profits. “Sa panahon ngayon, tumataas na ang presyo ng farm inputs, tulad ng tilapia feeds. Kaya kailangan maging resourceful para gumanda ang kita,” said Roderick. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Roderick also expanded his product line to include processed mushroom products, which include siomai, crispy mushroom, mushroom spread, and chili paste, alongside organic fertilizers. Roderick adopted an integrated farming business model that combines mushroom production with tilapia fish farming, wherein he uses discarded mushroom spent to produce duckweeds which serves as a natural alternative to fish feeds. A trailblazer in mushroom and integrated farming In recognition of his innovative practices and contributions to the local mushroom industry, LANDBANK conferred to Roderick the “Ulirang Magsasaka – Special Award for Integrated Farming” at the Bank’s Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards. Roderick and his wife, Sheila Capalongan, receive the special citation for integrated farming during the LANDBANK MERIT Awards in Malate, Manila. Roderick and his wife, Sheila Capalongan, receive the special citation for integrated farming during the LANDBANK MERIT Awards in Malate, Manila. The MERIT Awards celebrated the Bank’s top development partners in the delivery of essential financial and support services in local communities nationwide. Roderick’s farm has become the model mushroom farm in Nueva Vizcaya, attracting local and foreign visitors, including students, cooperatives and associations, to learn from his expertise about mushroom and integrated farming. National agencies like Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and state universities also work closely with the farm to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance agricultural education. Looking ahead, Roderick plans to build a farm school to train aspiring agri-entrepreneurs in mushroom production and elevate Nueva Vizcaya as a hub for oyster mushroom production. He likewise plans to train abroad to refine his skills and learn best global practices to help boost the local industry. “We are planning to train sa ibang bansa para mag-uwi ng advanced technology at matuto ng modern practices for mushroom production. Naniniwala ako na kaya natin magkaroon ng globally competitive mushroom industry,” said Roderick. A Journey from Campaigns to Cultivation Roderick Capalongan’s journey from the advertising world to agriculture is a testament to his adaptability to embrace change and passion to pursue his calling. With LANDBANK as his trusted partner, he continues to thrive—proving that success grows where passion and innovation meet. Through partnerships like these, LANDBANK is empowering farmers and Filipinos nationwide for a better future. About LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines with the largest portfolio in support of agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. Promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development, the Bank is present in all 82 provinces in the county and is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK leads P110-B syndicated loan to fuel the local power sector
PSALM President and CEO Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna (2nd from right), LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (rightmost), and DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus (3rd from right) lead the ceremonial signing for the P110-billion syndicated loan for PSALM on 30 July 2024 in Quezon City, witnessed by Assistant Government Corporate Counsel Judge Basilia Serrano-Angeles (leftmost). Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has extended the majority of the P110-billion syndicated loan facility to state-owned Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation in support of strengthening and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s local power industry. LANDBANK committed to financing P60 billion of the total facility amount. The proceeds will be used by PSALM to augment its working capital requirements, refinance existing liabilities, and settle domestic contractual obligations. “LANDBANK has a long-standing history of supporting the National Government’s electrification initiatives, with our loan portfolio encompassing a wide range of energy-related projects. We will continue to support PSALM in addressing the energy needs of the country today and in the future,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. PSALM President and CEO Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna, together with LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus, led the ceremonial signing for the Php 110.0 billion syndicated term loan facility agreement on 30 July 2024 in Quezon City. Assistant Government Corporate Counsel Judge Basilia Serrano-Angeles witnessed the event. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to LANDBANK, DBP and OGCC for their continued support in attaining PSALM’s financial objectives. PSALM’s liability management program has presented significant challenges as we strive to fulfill our mandate of liquidating the financial obligations we have assumed. This syndicated loan provides additional financial support to PSALM, ensuring our continued progress and assist our asset management and privatization strategies,” said PSALM President and CEO Dela Serna. “With this loan, we are projecting a net reduction of PHP12.9 billion in our financial obligations for CY 2024,” he added. LANDBANK and DBP acted as the Joint Lead Arrangers for the syndicated deal, with the DBP - Trust Banking Group as the Facility and Paying Agent, and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) as the Transaction Counsel. PSALM is a wholly-owned and controlled government entity mandated under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to take over the ownership of all existing generation assets of the National Power Corporation (NPC), independent power producer (IPP) contracts, real estate, and all other disposable assets, including the transmission business of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo). The agency also manages the orderly sale and privatization of these assets with the objective of liquidating all of NPC's financial obligations in an optimal manner. LANDBANK has been a steadfast partner of PSALM since 2008, providing essential financing in support of its mandate under the EPIRA law. The Bank also continues to service the development requirements of the energy sector, including other industry players such as large oil companies, power producers, and distribution utilities. 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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