One year into the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has released a total of P3.08 billion in loans and grants to 189,883 small farmers nationwide, and approved another P3.9 billion in loans to local government units (LGUs) to help them cope with the law’s initial impact on rice farmers.
On February 14, 2019, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11203 entitled, “An Act Liberalizing the Importation, Exportation, and Trading of Rice, Lifting for the Purpose the Quantitative Import Restriction on Rice, and for Other Purposes,” otherwise known as the Rice Tariffication Law. As a direct response, LANDBANK and the DA initiated programs that helped mitigate the drop in the farmgate prices of palay.
“Our farmers can rest assured that LANDBANK will continue to strengthen its support to the agriculture sector. Through partnerships with the Department of Agriculture and other agencies, we will continue to push for the advancement of our small farmers and fishers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
One of the programs that LANDBANK supports is the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF). The Bank is one of the implementing agencies for the P1-billion RCEF allocation for credit.
From 2019 to 2024, LANDBANK will make P500 million in credit assistance available annually to rice farmers in 59 out of 81 rice-producing provinces covered by the Program at affordable interest rates and with minimum documentary requirements.
As of February 28, 2020, a total of P481.34 million in loans was released to 2,679 eligible borrowers under the ERCA-RCEF.
The second partnership program between LANDBANK and the DA is the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid Program), which extended an immediate one-time, zero-interest, no collateral loan of P15,000 (net), payable in 8 years, to rice farmers who are tilling one hectare of land and below. Under the Program, a total of P2.48 billion in loans were provided to 163,827 small rice farmers in 69 provinces covered by the Program.
Another special lending program launched by the Bank in 2019 in support of the RTL is the P10-billion PAlay aLAY sa Magsasaka ng Lalawigan (PALAY ng Lalawigan) Program to assist rice-producing provinces by enabling local government units (LGUs)—provincial, municipal and city governments—to procure palay produced by their local farmers, as well as to acquire farm machineries and post-harvest facilities.
As of February 28, 2020, LANDBANK has approved P3.9 billion in loans to four (4) provincial LGUs.
Lastly, LANDBANK once again partnered with the DA for the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program, a P3-billion unconditional cash transfer program which aims to give P5,000 financial assistance each to 600,000 rice farmers nationwide who are tilling 0.5 to 2 hectares of land. A total of P116.89 million in cash grants were released to 23,377 small farmers nationwide as of February 29, 2020.
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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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