Alicia Mayor Joel Amos P. Alejandro (center) inspects the municipal government’s purchase of palay directly from local farmers at premium prices, with support from a P65-million loan under LANDBANK’s Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan Lending Program, which helped stabilize the local prices of palay and provided a ready and steady market for farmers’ produce.
ALICIA, Isabela – Situated in the “Queen Province of the North,” the Municipality of Alicia is surrounded with vast tracts of rich agricultural lands planted mostly to palay and corn. Having the largest irrigated rice fields in the region, Alicia is considered the largest rice producer in Cagayan Valley.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, affected market conditions for these farmers, as health and safety lockdowns limited the movement of buyers, traders, and produce.
To address this growing concern, the municipal government decided to pursue high-impact projects to help boost the productivity of its more than 1,000 farmers and ensure local food security.
This led the administration of Alicia Mayor Joel Amos P. Alejandro to partner with local farmers’ cooperatives and associations to directly purchase the palay produced by local farmers at premium prices.
Through the assistance of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), the Alicia LGU applied for a P65-million credit facility for a Permanent Working Capital (PWC) under the Bank’s Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan Lending Program.
Through the Program, the Alicia LGU buys palay at an indicative subsidized price of P15.00 to P16.00 per kilogram for wet palay, and P19.00 per kilogram for dry palay. This helped stabilize the prices of palay in Alicia, while providing a steady market for farmers’ produce.
The LGU, in turn, sells the procured palay processed into milled rice in public markets and other government institutions, such as government hospitals, jails, and other entities. The LGU also signed lease contracts with millers and warehouse owners to set up a streamlined rice milling arrangement in the area.
“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa LANDBANK dahil sa kanilang programa para sa aming local farmers. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming munisipyo. I am also proud to note that we are the first LGU that availed and implemented this Program, which has so far proven to be successful. We are counting on LANDBANK to support our plans in expanding this program so that we may be able to support more palay farmers in Alicia,” Mayor Alejandro said.
Initially launched by LANDBANK and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2019 as the “PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan,” the Program aims to provide a credit facility to Municipal, City, and Provincial LGUs to purchase palay produced by local farmers whose incomes have been affected by the drop in the farm gate price of palay. The Program has since been expanded in 2020 to cover the purchase of corn, in support of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.
“We are closely working with local government partners to meet the production requirements of farmers and help ensure food security especially during this ongoing pandemic. We are thus encouraging more LGUs, especially those in rice and corn producing communities, to avail of the LANDBANK Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan Program to support our local farmers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
The P10-billion funded facility is LANDBANK’s response to the National Government’s call to support the livelihood of local farmers, who can sell their palay and corn to their LGUs at a fair price rather than to unscrupulous rice traders who offer very low prices.
Additionally, LGUs may avail of farm machineries and equipment for post-harvest facilities to support their rice and corn-related activities. As of July 2021, LANDBANK has approved loans for the Program amounting to P3.85 billion for eight (8) LGUs.
As of July 31, 2021, LANDBANK has extended a total of P21 billion in outstanding loans to support the agri-aqua projects of LGUs nationwide.
Interested borrowers of the LANDBANK Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan Lending Program may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
For more updates, please follow the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), and Twitter (@LBP_Official); join our Viber community (@LANDBANK); or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
Elevating customer experience: LANDBANK inaugurates ‘phygital’ Branch
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (6th from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch, alongside Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (5th from left). Joining them are Initao Mayor Mercy Grace J. Acain (4th from left), 2nd District of Misamis Oriental Board Member Gerardo P. Sabal III (2nd from left), with LANDBANK officials including Executive Vice President Maria Celeste A. Burgos (7th from left), Senior Vice Presidents Charlotte I. Conde (8th from left) and Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva (rightmost), and First Vice President Lina K. Pacio (leftmost), with LBRDC Director Lourdes Candy R. Darimbang (3rd from left), and other local partners. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – LANDBANK continues to elevate and redefine banking with the inauguration of its ‘phygital’ branch, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to delivering a more modern, convenient, and delightful customer experience. The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch features a refreshed look and a blend of high-touch and high-tech banking, that provide an efficient fusion of physical and digital services to clients. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the inauguration of the Masterson Phygital Branch located at the Misamis Oriental Corporate Center, Block 62, Lot 1, Xavier Estates Commercial Area, Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) on 12 December 2024. “The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch blends the warmth and reliability of traditional banking with the agility and convenience of digital innovation. This inauguration is in step with reimagining the LANDBANK banking experience, ensuring that financial services are more accessible and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch features self-service machines such as ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines that allow clients to perform transactions quickly with options for card, cardless, and biometric authentication. The Branch is also equipped with the LANDBANK Easy Access (LEA) system, which is an enhanced queuing management system that eliminates the need for filling out forms. It likewise has the LANDBANK Digital Online Banking System (DOBS) which streamlines account opening for a hassle-free start to financial management. The Masterson Phygital Branch also has an explore zone with meeting pods to provide clients with personalized assistance and opportunity to learn about LANDBANK’s wide range of products and services tailored to meet their financial goals. Following the Masterson Phygital Branch, LANDBANK is soon to launch two other phygital branches in Amlan, Negros Oriental and in Makati City in Manila. The branch also complements the operations of eleven other LANDBANK branches and branch-lite units in Balingasag, Puerto, Gingoog, Velez, Capistrano, Limketkai, Carmen, CDO Centro, CDO Cogon, and El Salvador City, including the Claveria Agri-Hub. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its commitment to provide clients with enhanced and personalized services—ensuring a banking experience that’s convenient, efficient, and focused on customer needs, empowering Filipinos to reach their financial goals. 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.
LEARN MORE
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.
LEARN MORE
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.
LEARN MORE
24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE
