(Clockwise, from upper left) Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo leads the virtual signing of a P250-million loan agreement with STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI-ESGI) Executive Committee Chairman Dr. Eusebio H. Tanco and STI-ESGI Chief Executive Officer Monico V. Jacob for the LANDBANK ACADEME Lending Program to finance STI’s ‘study now, pay later’ program for its students in the coming school year 2020-2021. Signing as witnesses are STI-ESGI Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Yolanda M. Bautista, and LANDBANK Agricultural and Development Lending Sector Officer-In-Charge Senior Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos.
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI-ESGI) signed a P250-million Term Loan Rediscounting Line agreement under the ACADEME (ACcess to Academic Development to Empower the Masses towards Endless Opportunities) Lending Program to finance the institution’s ‘study now, pay later’ program for its students amid the financial difficulties facing families due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo, STI-ESGI Executive Committee Chairman Dr. Eusebio H. Tanco and STI-ESGI Chief Executive Officer Monico V. Jacob led the virtual signing, held on July 24, 2020. The event was witnessed by STI-ESGI Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Yolanda M. Bautista, and LANDBANK Agricultural and Development Lending Sector Officer-In-Charge Senior Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos.
The STI-ESGI, which is the largest subsidiary of STI Holdings, is the first academic institution that availed of the ACADEME Lending Program. The institution offers secondary and tertiary programs, as well as post-graduate and associate programs.
“We would like to thank Chairman Tanco and the rest of STI-ESGI management team for putting faith in LANDBANK and our ACADEME Program to finance and ensure the enrollment of around 15,000 to 25,000 students in STI colleges and academic centers this upcoming school year,” LANDBANK President and CEO Borromeo said in her message.
Other academic institutions which also availed of the LANDBANK ACADEME Lending Program include Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines, Inc. (MCNP) and the International School of Asia and Pacific, Inc. (ISAP) in the province of Cagayan. And at least 80 more private educational institutions have expressed interest in accessing the credit facility.
“Almost 70% of our students are supported by overseas workers, who are being repatriated during this pandemic. This LANDBANK facility provides the much needed relief. STI has also agreed not to pass on the 3% interest of this facility. We will absorb this cost, and we thank LANDBANK for being the first bank to offer a study now, pay later plan. We are committed to the education of our youth, and we are happy to work with LANDBANK to make sure their future will continue to be bright and hopeful,” STI-ESGI CEO Jacob said in his response.
Launched in May 2020, the LANDBANK ACADEME Lending Program aims to provide credit support to private high schools, private technical and vocational education training institutions, as well as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as colleges and universities, in providing continuing education to their students, through their parents or benefactors, under a ‘study now, pay later’ program.
LANDBANK allotted P3 billion for the Program, which offers refinancing or rediscounting of promissory notes issued by the parents or benefactors of students for school loans. Eligible schools can borrow up to 70% of the sub-promissory notes on a per semester basis, and subject further to a maximum amount based on the school’s net borrowing capacity, with a very low fixed interest rate of 3% per annum, payable based on the maturity of the sub-promissory notes, but not to exceed three (3) years.
For more details about the Program’s features and application requirements, interested borrowers 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.
Fitch Upgrades LANDBANK’s Viability Rating, Citing Stronger Financial Position
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has received an upgraded Viability Rating (VR) from Fitch Ratings, rising from ‘bb’ to ‘bb+’, reflecting the Bank’s improved standalone financial strength. This upgrade highlights LANDBANK’s stronger capital buffers and enhanced profitability outlook. Fitch also reaffirmed LANDBANK’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’/Stable and Government Support Rating (GSR) at ‘bbb’, emphasizing the Bank’s systemic importance, full state ownership, and continued strong government support. Strengthened Financial Position The upward revision of LANDBANK’s VR signifies its resilience in navigating external challenges while reinforcing its role as a key policy bank. The upgrade follows Fitch’s assessment of the Philippine banking sector’s operating environment, which was revised updward to 'bbb-'/stable from 'bb+'/stable, a key factor in the Bank’s credit profile. “This latest rating upgrade is a testament to LANDBANK’s sound financial foundation and resilience. With a solid capital base and an improving profitability outlook, we are well-positioned to drive stronger financial performance while deepening our commitment to agriculture and other key economic sectors that fuel national growth,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. Stronger Profitability and Capital Position LANDBANK’s earnings and profitability assessment was also a step-up to ‘bb’/positive from ‘bb-’/stable, with Fitch citing expectations of improved core profitability as credit costs decline amid a resilient economy and falling interest rates. The Bank’s capitalization is also projected to improve, supported by sustained organic growth. As of end-2024, LANDBANK reported a Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio of 15.1%, well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' minimum requirement of 10.25%, reflecting strong capital buffers that support its lending capacity. Advancing Financial Resilience As the country’s largest Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) and the biggest credit provider to the agriculture sector and its value chain, among other key economic sectors, LANDBANK remains committed to advancing financial inclusion and national development. With its solid capital base and improving profitability outlook, LANDBANK continues to expand its financial services, sustain credit accessibility for key industries, and reinforce its crucial role in support of the National Government’s inclusive development agenda. 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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Remote sitio farmer-turned-fishpond owner empowered by LANDBANK, DA
Farmer Eric A. Janolino from the Municipality of Opol in Misamis Oriental ventured into tilapia farming and expanded his income with the financial assistance extended by LANDBANK and the Department of Agriculture under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program. OPOL, Misamis Oriental – For over 30 years, Eric A. Janolino has dedicated his life to farming palay, corn, and various vegetables in the remote sitio of Tingkulan in Barangay Bagocboc. As someone without formal education, farming was the only way Eric knew to support his growing family. Yet, despite decades of hard work, life was a constant uphill battle. To fund each planting season, Eric used to rely on informal lenders who charged exorbitant and crippling interest rates, often leaving him with little to no profit after the harvest. This made it nearly impossible to improve his farming methods or invest in the necessary resources to grow his livelihood. Adding to his struggles, Eric lived in an isolated community with limited access to government services. The barangay is accessible only by motorcycle, requiring a 30-minute ride along rugged, unpaved roads and crossing several rivers from the town proper. This makes transporting crops to the market both difficult and costly, eating further into his already limited earnings. In search of better income, Eric tried his luck in Manila, taking on jobs as an electrician and security guard. But he felt out of place in the bustling city, and his heart pulled him back to the fields he had always called home. Returning to farming, however, presented the same persistent struggles—high-interest loans and limited resources left him with little to provide for his wife and three children. A new beginning Hope came in 2023 when Eric learned about the financial assistance available for small farmers like him, facilitated by LANDBANK in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA). Under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, he secured a ₱100,000 loan with a low annual interest rate of 2%, or only about ₱2,000 for the entire year. Eric was guided by LANDBANK and DA through every step of securing the loan—something he never thought possible due to his limited reading and writing skills. “Dati, kanya-kanyang diskarte ang mga tao dito para magkaroon ng puhunan sa pagsasaka. Pero noong dumating ang LANDBANK, ipinaliwanag nila kung paano kami makakapag-avail ng murang pautang sa ilalim ng ACEF program. Hindi na kami nahirapan sa pagbabayad ng malalaking interes sa 5-6,” Eric shared. With LANDBANK’s financial support, Eric ventured into tilapia farming and invested in building three fishponds, under the guidance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10. To ensure success, he completed a BFAR training on tilapia production, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to maximize his new venture. A ripple effect of growth The impact of tilapia farming on Eric’s life was profound. His once meager earnings for his family grew into a steady and reliable income. He invested his profits to buy a carabao and a horse to help transport goods to market, raised pigs for extra income, and even renovated their home. Most significantly, Eric was able to send his children to school—something he once thought was out of reach. “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa LANDBANK dahil hindi sila nag-atubiling tumulong sa katulad naming mga mahihirap. Ngayon, meron na kaming mga hayop na pangkargada sa aming mga produkto at pang-araro ng bukid, kaya malaki talaga ang naitulong ng LANDBANK sa aking pamilya. Anuman ang iyong kalagayan at pangangailangan, nandiyan sila para magbigay ng tulong at suporta,” Eric said. Motivated by the opportunities provided by LANDBANK and DA, Eric inspired his fellow farmers to achieve the same success. Fourteen other farmers from his barangay availed themselves of the affordable credit facilities under the ACEF Lending Program and embraced tilapia farming. Like Eric, they soon began to see their livelihoods—and their incomes—flourish, enabling their families to better meet their needs and secure a brighter future. Empowering small farmers and fishers nationwide LANDBANK serves as the conduit bank of DA in implementing the ACEF Lending Program, which aims to boost the productivity of marginalized agricultural players through the extension of accessible credit assistance, among other support initiatives. Under the Program, farmers and fishers can borrow up to P1 million, while cooperatives, associations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs) may access loans up to P5 million for the purchase of farm inputs and equipment, as well as the acquisition or establishment of agri-based production and processing machinery, equipment, and facilities. As of December 2024, LANDBANK has released a total of ₱14 billion in loans under the ACEF Lending Program benefitting 95,301 borrowers nationwide, 98% of which are small farmers and fishers. 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 promotes habit of saving, rewards clients in IpoNalo Promo
LANDBANK continues to empower clients by promoting savings and rewarding lucky depositors through its IpoNalo Raffle Promo, which culminated in a grand draw on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2025. Designed to encourage Filipinos to develop better saving habits, the IpoNalo Raffle Promo ran from 3 July 2024 to 31 January 2025, offering clients the dual advantage of growing their savings while earning raffle entries for a chance to win prizes. A total of 36 winners received premium Apple gadgets, including iPads, iPhones, and MacBook Airs, while three major prize winners took home ₱250,000, ₱500,000, and ₱1,000,000. The full list of winners will be posted on LANDBANK’s official Facebook page, and all winners will be notified directly through their registered contact details. “The overwhelming response to the IpoNalo Raffle Promo highlights the growing appreciation of Filipinos for the value of saving. We are thrilled to be a part of your financial journey towards securing a brighter and more secure future. With IpoNalo 2.0, we aim to encourage even more clients to prioritize financial security while rewarding their commitment to saving,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The IpoNalo Raffle Promo delivered outstanding results bringing in more than 15,000 new private accounts, which contributed ₱20 billion in deposits. In total, the promo generated ₱97 billion in new deposits across individual, corporate, and other accounts. Likewise, the Promo grew LANDBANK’s total Average Daily Balance (ADB) to over ₱240 billion, reinforcing the program’s effectiveness in encouraging Filipinos to save more and build financial security. Bigger rewards with IpoNalo 2.0 Building on the success of the initial promo, LANDBANK has launched the IpoNalo 2.0, offering even bigger prizes to encourage more Filipinos to save. Running from 1 February to 31 July 2025, the promo will give participants a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Innova Zenix, along with cash prizes of ₱1,000,000 and ₱500,000. All new and existing private individual and institutional LANDBANK deposit account holders can earn e-raffle tickets and join the LANDBANK IpoNalo 2.0 by increasing their deposits in their LANDBANK accounts from 01 February to 31 July 2025. The e-raffle draw will be on 14 August 2025. The IpoNalo Raffle Promo reflects LANDBANK’s commitment to innovate and implement programs that encourage financial discipline and saving among 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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