Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) have been partners for rubber production in Zamboanga Sibugay since 1995, which helped sustain the co-op’s operations despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, through business diversification.
KABASALAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – For the past 28 years, Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO) has relied mainly on their 1000-hectare rubber and intercropped plantation to generate income for their 312 members who are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). But the COVID-19 crisis early this year dealt their rubber trading business with a heavy blow.
“GARBEMCO’s rubber trading halted during the pandemic. There were no traders, and manufacturing plants stopped operating. So the co-op had to focus on its other businesses to ensure income for its members,” said LANDBANK Zamboanga del Sur Lending Center Head Engr. Joselito S. Año.
Determined to stay afloat, the co-op turned to palay production and trading, and the operation of their consumer store and fishpond, among other businesses, which it already established early on through financial assistance from Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).
“Ang inspirasyon talaga namin para magpatuloy sa operasyon kahit na may pandemic ay yung aming pamilya at yung pamilyang nabuo namin sa co-op. Kaya nag-bayanihan talaga kami para lang masigurado na tuloy ang pinagkakakitaan at kabuhayan ng mga miyembro namin,” said GARBEMCO General Manager Lilia Manuel.
LANDBANK and GARBEMCO’s partnership started in 1995 when the co-op availed of the Bank’s Agricultural Production Loan (APL) and Short Term Loan (STL) for the capital of their rubber production, and later on used it to diversify its businesses.
“Ang laking tulong ng LANDBANK sa paglaki ng GARBEMCO. At marami pa kaming mga proyekto sa coop na gusto namin i-develop sa tulong pa rin ng LANDBANK, gaya ng agri-tourism through a hot spring resort,” GM Manuel added.
With the relaxing quarantine restrictions in the province, GARBEMCO is now starting to engage anew in rubber trading. The harvests that they stored in their warehouse for the last 5 months, totaling to some 350 tons of rubber, are gradually becoming profitable again for their ARB members.
LANDBANK remains steadfast in providing accessible financial channels to ARBs. As of June 2020, cumulative loan releases of two lending programs for ARBs and small farmers have already reached P583.35 million, under the Bank’s E-ARISE-ARBs (Expanded Assistance to Restore and Install Sustainable Enterprises for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Small Farm Holders) loan program, and the CAP-PBD (Credit Assistance Program for Program Beneficiaries Development) Window III Program Extension.
For more information about LANDBANK’s Lending Programs, 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.
LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus fuels growth for Isabela farmers
ILAGAN CITY, Isabela – For farmer Gilbert Pacis, securing capital for the yellow corn cropping season was a constant struggle. Today, with LANDBANK’s AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, that burden is lifting. “Dahil dito, hindi na kami mamomroblema sa puhunan. Nabibigyan ako ng lakas ng loob ng AGRISENSO Plus na magtanim ulit,” said Pacis, reflecting the optimism shared by over 1,300 farmers who gathered at the Ilagan City Community Center on 04 March 2025, as LANDBANK launched its financing initiative in this province. Aimed at providing accessible and affordable credit, the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program empowers local farmers to sustain and expand their operations. The Program launch saw a turnout of 1,304 farmers, with over 500 farmers initiating loan applications. LANDBANK likewise facilitated ATM card applications on-site to integrate more farmers into the formal banking system. It is expected that an additional 400 loan applications will be received from farmers who are still completing the requirements. Strengthening partnerships for agricultural growth The event gathered key stakeholders, including Ilagan City Mayor Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, LANDBANK Northern Luzon Lending Group Head First Vice President Eduardo N. Reyes, Northern Isabela Lending Center Head Myra Myrtha M. Padolina, and Ilagan Branch Head Roldan E. Acera. Also present were SAGITTARIAN Agricultural Philippines, Inc. President and CEO Jose Avelino C. Diaz, among other local partners. Additionally, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Insurance Processor Rostom M. Molina discussed PCIC's insurance services, while Engr. Roquito L. Cabras of the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI) led a session on Digital Financial Literacy—further reinforcing LANDBANK’s holistic support for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. As Isabela gears up for the upcoming yellow corn cropping season, LANDBANK is ramping up efforts to support even more farmers, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.With AGRISENSO Plus and ASCEND Programs, LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mission to empower farmers, helping them achieve sustainable growth and financial stability. Empowering farmers through AGRISENSO Plus The LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Programprovides smallholder farmers, fishers and agri-entrepreneurs with accessible and affordable credit. Offering flexible loan terms and competitive interest rates, the Program is tailored to address the unique financial needs of the whole agricultural value chain. The capacity-buildingcomponent of AGRISENSO Plus—the ASCEND Program—aims to enhance financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills among farmers and fishers. ASCEND provides training on modern farming techniques, financial management, and market access, empowering farmers and fishers to improve productivity and profitability. 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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Boosting leasing and financial services: LLFC-ULFC merger complete with SEC approval
Following the merger of LANDBANK and UCPB in 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently approved the merger of LBP Leasing and Finance Corporation (LLFC) and UCPB Leasing and Finance Corporation (ULFC). LANDBANK President Lynette V. Ortiz (6th from left), LLFC President and CEO Michael P. Arañas (5th from left), and ULFC OIC Kristine Marie G. Cuevas (center), lead the turnover ceremony on 28 March 2025 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the documents governing the merger between LANDBANK subsidiaries—LANDBANK Leasing and Finance Corporation (LLFC) and UCPB Leasing and Finance Corporation (ULFC) on February 27, 2025—officially completing the consolidation, with LLFC as the sole surviving entity. The operational turnover and transition activities immediately followed the SEC approval. The integration is in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 65 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 6 August 2024, which authorized the merger, as it eliminates unnecessary overlap in mandates and functions. The merger follows the 2022 integration of the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) into LANDBANK, which brought ULFC under LANDBANK’s umbrella. "This merger is a strategic step towards strengthening our leasing and finance operations, ensuring greater efficiency and financial capability to support key sectors. By consolidating LLFC and ULFC into a single entity, we are optimizing resources, expanding market reach, and bolstering our contribution to the government's inclusive growth agenda," said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The consolidation aligns with the government's broader effort of strengthening state-owned financial institutions by enhancing their capital base and operational efficiency. It positions LLFC to scale up support for agriculture, infrastructure development, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aligning with LANDBANK’s mission of advancing inclusive and sustainable growth. LANDBANK assures all clients of LLFC and ULFC that the merger process was designed for a smooth and orderly transition, ensuring uninterrupted customer service. With this merger, LANDBANK expands its financial services and reinforces its role in driving national economic development. 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 unveils upgraded Optisaver Plus with free insurance
LANDBANK is raising the bar for savings accounts with the launch of OptiSaver Plus — an upgraded version of its high-interest OptiSaver account—designed to help Filipinos grow their funds while enjoying free insurance coverage for greater financial security. With tiered interest rates of up to 4% per annum, the LANDBANK OptiSaver Plus account provides depositors with free insurance coverage based on their Average Daily Balance (ADB). Optisaver Plus account holders receive life insurance coverage which scales with account balance tiers, rewarding higher savings with greater financial protection. Meanwhile, personal accident insurance offers additional coverage against accidents resulting in injury or loss, ensuring a safety net for depositors and their families. Maintaining a minimum ADB of ₱50,000 qualifies depositors for either free life insurance or free personal accident insurance, while those in the highest balance tier of ₱20 million and above receive both coverages. “With the LANDBANK OptiSaver Plus, we are empowering our clients to achieve financial growth while securing their future. By combining the benefits of higher savings potential and built-in financial protection, we are ensuring their hard-earned money works even harder for them as they build wealth with confidence,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. As a savings account, the LANDBANK OptiSaver Plus offers flexibility with no tenor, and allows account holders to unlimited deposits and withdrawals with seamless access through LANDBANK's digital banking channels for cardless LANDBANK Visa Debit Card transactions and at all LANDBANK Branches for passbook over-the-counter transactions. Interested clients can open an OptiSaver Plus account at any LANDBANK branch and receive a passbook for account monitoring. Meanwhile, existing OptiSaver account holders who wish to avail of the free insurance coverage may visit their LANDBANK branch of account to complete the necessary forms. Account holders will also receive the forms via email from their branch of account. 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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