To boost local rice production amid challenges faced by the rice industry, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has released P2.2 billion in loans to 13,701 rice farmers and cooperatives as of 31 July 2023 through the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF).
A total of P1.1 billion of the Bank’s loan releases under ERCA-RCEF directly financed palay production of individual rice farmers listed under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), while P507.5 million was earmarked for relending of cooperatives to its rice farmer-members; P394.1 million for rice trading and milling; and P222 million for the purchase of farm machineries and equipment.
“LANDBANK is doing its share to strengthen local rice production by providing accessible and responsive financial assistance to rice farmers. In partnership with the DA, the ERCA-RCEF program forms part of our commitment to advance the agriculture sector and empower Filipino farmers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.
Of the 13,701 beneficiaries, 4,783 hailed from Region 2, particularly the rice-producing provinces of Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
LANDBANK also assisted 1,858 beneficiaries from Region 3; 1,463 from Region 6; 1,334 from Region 13; 1,323 from Region 4-B; and the rest from Regions 1, 4-A, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
“Malaki ang naitulong ng ERCA-RCEF sa aming pagsasaka dahil mababa ang interes nito kumpara sa ibang pautang. Sana ay magtuloy-tuloy pa ang Programang ito para marami pang magsasakang kagaya ko ang matulungan,” said Noemi C. Negrillo, a 68-year-old rice farmer from Quirino province who was able to purchase farm inputs and sustain her rice production through a loan under the ERCA-RCEF.
Implemented in partnership with the DA, the ERCA-RCEF is a credit facility which aims to boost the productivity and income of small rice farmers and their cooperatives, and cushion the initial impact of Republic Act No. 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).
LANDBANK has fully disbursed the allocated fund for ERCA-RCEF from 2019 to 2022, and shall continue to make available P500 million in loans annually until 2024 to cooperatives and rice farmers registered under the RSBSA in the country’s 38 rice-producing provinces.
The ERCA-RCEF Program allows individual rice farmers to borrow up to 90% of their total project cost at a low fixed interest rate of 2% per year.
The loan may be used to purchase farm inputs for rice and rice seed production, farm machineries and equipment for production and post-production, working capital for rice and seed trading, as well as relending and rediscounting of existing loans of small rice farmers listed under the DA’s RSBSA.
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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Expanding financial access for small farmers: LANDBANK partners with KITA Agritech, TAO Foods to boost agri modernization
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (2nd from right) formalizes partnerships in consecutive ceremonial signings with KITA Agritech CEO Carlos Miguel S. Concio (2nd from left, 1st photo) and TAO Foods Chairman Julio D. Sy, Jr. (2nd from the left, 2nd photo) in efforts to advance modernization of the agriculture sector in the country. Joining as witnesses are KITA Agritech Vice President Rafael Anonas (leftmost, 1st photo), TAO Foods President and CEO Atty. Laura Love P. Guevara (leftmost, 2nd photo), and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has made strategic partnerships with KITA Agritech Corporation (KITA Agritech) and TAO Foods Company Inc. (TAO Foods) to amplify efforts in empowering small farmers with increased access to financial services and opportunities for modernization. Under the partnership, KITA Agritech and TAO Foods will provide necessary production, technical, and marketing assistance to partner farmers and farmer organizations, creating a robust framework that fosters innovation by incorporating each company's digital solutions. KITA Agritech will introduce the Digital Trading Post, which aims to improve inventory management and reduce operational farming costs associated with natural disasters and calamities. TAO Foods will introduce the Rice to Rise Program, which aims to supply farmers with one hundred percent (100%) locally produced hybrid rice seeds that can potentially increase their yield, thereby resulting in improved productivity and profitability. For its part, LANDBANK will extend to eligible partners endorsed by the two companies the AGRISENSO Lending Program, which provides affordable financing to small farmers, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), and the whole agriculture value chain, aimed at bolstering nationwide food security and sufficiency. Beyond financial and technical support, these partnerships aim to empower farmers to navigate market and environmental challenges through innovative technologies and sustainable practices. This ensures their livelihoods remain productive and secure, contributing to a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector. “LANDBANK is focused on making impactful partnerships in ensuring that more farmers are empowered with the tools and resources needed for them to thrive, increase productivity, and contribute to national food security. Together, we are advancing modern agriculture while driving sustainable growth and strengthening the country’s food supply chain,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. In separate signing ceremonies, LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz formalized the partnerships with KITA Agritech CEO Carlos Miguel S. Concio and TAO Foods Chairman Julio D. Sy, Jr. on 01 October 2024 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. They were joined by KITA Agritech Vice President Rafael Anonas, TAO Foods President and CEO Atty. Laura Love P. Guevara, and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos as witnesses. Founded in February 2022 by CEO Concio, KITA Agritech is one of the fastest-growing agritech startups in the Philippines that helps Filipino farmers become more sustainable by leveraging technology to optimize operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity. TAO Foods, on the other hand, produces hybrid rice seeds and processed meat products, and focuses on sustainable farming and modern seed technology to enhance farmers' profitability and ability to contribute to national food security. LANDBANK launched the AGRISENSO Lending Program this year and has supported 1,671 borrowers nationwide with a total of P264.9 million in approved loans as of end-August 2024. The AGRISENSO Lending Program was first introduced at the LANDBANK “Bilis Ipon: Digital Financial Inclusion Caravan,” which aims to bring banking and financing services closer to farmers in far-flung and underserved communities. The Bank has successfully conducted the Caravans in 17 areas this year, with the latest in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on 31 July 2024. 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 to boost financial services with UCPB-SB privatization
Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is poised to intensify its focus on serving its diverse clientele of key development sectors with the privatization of UCPB Savings Bank, Inc. (UCPB-SB), allowing it to better streamline resources and facilitate more efficient capital deployment. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the privatization of UCPB-SB through Memorandum Order No. 28, issued on 06 August 2024. The domestic savings bank became a subsidiary of LANDBANK following its merger with the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) in 2022. The privatization stems from LANDBANK’s capacity to offer similar banking services to those of UCPB-SB and is aligned with the government's broader efforts to rationalize resources and improve operational efficiency. “The privatization of UCPB Savings Bank is a strategic initiative designed to improve operational efficiency and service quality. This transition will optimize resource allocation and support LANDBANK’s mission of inclusive development, consistent with the National Government's broader efforts to streamline operations,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Aside from reducing demand on government resources while maintaining high service standards, the privatization will allow LANDBANK to better focus its resources on serving its mandated and priority sectors, in support of the country’s inclusive development agenda. With the privatization approval, LANDBANK is selling its ownership share equivalent to 97.55% of the equity of UCPB-SB to qualified private parties, subject to pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Interested buyers may contact UCPB-SB through EGSantos@ucpbsavings.com or LANDBANK Investment Banking Group via ibg@landbank.com for inquiries. Potential buyers may also access the UCPB-SB website for more detailed information. Meanwhile, LANDBANK assures UCPB-SB clients of a smooth transition with all banking services to be uninterrupted and all deposits and investments remaining safe and secure.
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