Allan Ayco was one of the first availers of the LANDBANK Sikat Saka Program from Dumingag in 2013, and among the combined 655 rice farmers in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay who enjoy a low 2% per annum loan interest rate under the ACEF Lending Program.
DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur – Unhappy and longing for his family while working away at sea, Allan A. Ayco decided to disembark from the boat and his former life as a seafarer, returning to his home in Dumingag to make a living cultivating his farmland.
But like the other small farmers in town in need of capital, Ayco was forced to deal with informal lenders who charged high interest rates from 10% to up to 20% per month. He felt helpless against the unfair interest rates brought about by the monopoly of the post-production market by informal lenders.
But things started to look up for Ayco and other farmers in Dumingag when LANDBANK conducted site visits in the province and offered low-interest loans for production requirements under then newly-launched LANDBANK Sikat Saka Program.
“Malaking tulong talaga ang pagpasok ng LANDBANK sa buhay ko. Tuwang-tuwa kami sa Sikat Saka Program. Hindi lang sa mababa ang interes, madali lang din ang proseso ng pag-apply,” said Ayco.
Ayco was one of the first farmers in the area to avail of a loan under the Sikat Saka Program. Through the assistance of LANDBANK, Ayco enjoyed low interest of 0.75% to 1.25% per month under the Program from 2013 to 2019.
Since joining the formal credit system, Ayco said his income increased with every cropping cycle, allowing him to provide a better life for his family. He was able to save enough income to hire other farmers for planting services, as well as procure tractors and harvesting services that he rented out to other farmers in the area.
“Malaking tulong sa amin ang Sikat Saka Program. Kaya nga’t kusang loob akong nanghingkayat rin ng mga katulad kong magsasaka. Sinabi ko na maganda ito. Basta dapat aalagaan mo yung utang mo. Dapat maayos yung pagbayad mo para di siya mawala,” Ayco shared.
Aside from accessible financial support, Ayco and the other farmers in the area were also provided with support services and capacity building trainings by LANDBANK and its partner agencies.
However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 closed the borders around the Zamboanga Peninsula and significantly affected their livelihood, which prevented them from renewing their credit line with LANDBANK for the next cropping season. Ayco shared that it was a difficult season.
So he was grateful when the health restrictions were finally eased and the LANDBANK Zamboanga del Sur Lending Center reached out to him and other farmers and to introduce the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program. As a long-time client of the Bank, Ayco was granted financing anew with low interest rates under the ACEF Lending Program to fund his rice production.
“Malaki talaga ang pasasalamat namin sa LANDBANK dahil sa naitulong nila sa aming mga magsasaka. Sana magpatuloy pa rin ang pagtulong ninyo sa amin,” Ayco said.
The ACEF is a direct lending program administered by LANDBANK in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), which aims to increase the productivity and income of farmers and fishers, their cooperatives and associations, as well as micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
The ACEF Lending Program finances farming needs such as the acquisition and establishment of production, post-harvest and processing machineries, equipment and facilities, farm inputs, and improvements.
As of 31 October 2022, LANDBANK has released under the ACEF lending program a total of P8.5 billion to support over 32,200 borrowers nationwide.
Interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide or call LANDBANK’s customer service at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
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.
LEARN MORELANDBANK 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.
LEARN MOREGo 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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