LANDBANK - SM Shopping

LANDBANK, Pangasinan LGU sign P500-million loan to boost income of rice farmers

Pangasinan Governor Amado I. Espino III (2nd from left) and LANDBANK Pangasinan Lending Center Head, Assistant Vice President Jaime S. Cruz (3rd from left), sign a P500-million loan agreement on 24 September 2021 at the Provincial Capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan to help boost the income of rice farmers in the province. They are joined by Provincial Administrator Atty. Nimrod S. Camba (leftmost) and LANDBANK Lingayen Branch Head, Assistant Vice President Kathleen D. Fernandez (rightmost). LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan have signed a P500-million loan to finance agricultural projects aimed at boosting the productivity and income of local rice farmers in the Province of Pangasinan. Under the LANDBANK Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan Lending Program, P400 million of the total loan will be used by the Local Government Unit (LGU) to purchase palay produced by small farmers with less than two (2) hectares of land each. Around 20,000,000 kilos of palay will be purchased by the Provincial LGU at higher prices than the prevailing market in the Province benefitting around 16,000 farmers in Pangasinan. The Provincial Government shall process the milling of the purchased palay and sell them to 14 provincial government-owned hospitals, the Pangasinan Provincial Jail, as well as other LGUs as part of relief operations and other related social services. The rice may also be distributed to Bigasan ng Bayan centers owned by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to be sold to local communities. The remaining P100 million will be used for the construction of a second Rice Processing Complex (RPC) in Pangasinan, together with the purchase of a rice mill, dryer, and industrial vehicles to transport agriculture products. “LANDBANK continues to answer the call of small farmers for an assured market and reasonable prices for their produce. We stand together with our LGU partners towards helping farmers increase their productivity and income, especially during this ongoing pandemic,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Through the Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan Program, LANDBANK has approved loans amounting to P3.78 billion to eight (8) LGU-borrowers intended for palay procurement and acquisition of farm machineries and equipment (post-harvest facilities). Of this amount, P115 million has been availed by two (2) LGUs as working capital loan for palay procurement, benefitting more than 1,800 small farmers as of August 2021. From January to August 2021, LANDBANK has extended a total of P21.27 billion in outstanding loans in support of agri- and aquaculture projects of LGUs nationwide. LANDBANK remains committed to providing intensified support to the agriculture sector to fast-track its growth and recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

LANDBANK’s P50-M loan ‘links’ La Union town to a promising future

  ARINGAY, La Union – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has approved a P50-million term loan of the Municipal Government of Aringay for the construction of a three-span bridge which is expected to boost growth and progress for the town’s underdeveloped areas. The new bridge will be built between Barangay San Juan East and Barangay San Juan West to connect seven isolated barangays of Aringay to the town proper, thereby making the transport of agricultural goods and access to essential services safer, easier, and more efficient. Upon completion of the bridge, farmers from the seven barangays can conveniently transport their harvests directly to Aringay’s public market instead of bringing these to Baguio City in Benguet. They will also no longer need to cross a river using a raft or pass through other perilous routes during heavy rains that often add to costs. The more than 14,800 residents from the seven barangays can also safely reach the town proper to access essential services, such as medical assistance, without the risk that comes with crossing the river. The P50-million term loan of the Municipal Government of Aringay was approved under the LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration Package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program, designed to support local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of their respective economic recovery plans. “LANDBANK is fully committed to servicing the infrastructure requirements of our LGU partners to fast-track the recovery of local communities. These projects are crucial to spur economic activities towards inclusive and sustainable development,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. As of 31 August 2021, LANDBANK has approved loans for 322 LGUs under the RISE UP LGUs Program totaling P88.42 billion.  “Napakalaking tulong ang maibibigay ng tulay para sa pagpapaunlad ng produktong agrikultura at sa ikabubuti ng mga residente ng Aringay. Tatlumpung taong hinanapan ng pondo ang proyektong ito para ito’y maisakatuparan. Nagpapasalamat kami sa programa ng LANDBANK at sa kanilang matiyagang paggabay at pagsubaybay dahil nabigyan kami ng pagkakataong matupad ang adhikaing matagal naming minimithi,” said Aringay Mayor Eric O. Sibuma. LANDBANK is one with LGUs nationwide in implementing various development projects and in serving the nation as it threads the path to recovery and resiliency amid the ongoing pandemic.

LANDBANK retail dollar bond sales top US$205-M

  The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) contributed US$205.27 million or close to 13% of the US$1.593 billion generated from the maiden Retail Dollar Bond (RDB) offering of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). The proceeds will fund infrastructure projects and boost health services to fast-track the country’s ongoing economic resurgence, after suffering from debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 15 September to 1 October 2021, the state-run Bank sold the RDB offer through various investment channels, which allowed Filipino retail investors worldwide to participate in the said offering safely and conveniently. Of LANDBANK’s total RDB sales, US$95 million was raised during the rate-setting auction at the launch event held on September 15. The remaining US$109.94 million and US$329,700 were facilitated via over-the-counter placements at LANDBANK branches and online channels, respectively. About US$203,500 of LANDBANK’s RDB sales online was facilitated through the mobile banking application (MBA) of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank)—the official digital bank of the Philippine government and a subsidiary of LANDBANK. Likewise, US$107,800 was transacted using the LANDBANK MBA, while the remaining US$18,400 was processed through the BTr’s Online Ordering Facility via LANDBANK’s Link.BizPortal. “A significant draw to the RDB offering was the availability of various investment channels that provided greater convenience and accessibility to retail investors worldwide. The wide participation in this offering also demonstrates the increasing appreciation for the government’s affordable and higher-yielding investment instruments that spur economic recovery and development,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. The RDBs are United States (US) dollar-denominated bonds offered at a minimum investment of US$300 and increments of US$100 thereafter, with annual interest rates of 1.375% and 2.25% for the five- and 10-year bonds, respectively. Interest payments will be paid quarterly during the term of the bond. LANDBANK is Joint Lead Issue Manager for the RDB issuance, as part of its continued support to advance greater financial inclusion and raise state resources for timely and responsive recovery and development initiatives.

LANDBANK certified anew to ISO standards amid pandemic

  State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has secured continuous certification for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) standards until December 2022, underscoring the Bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering quality financial and support services towards promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Certification International Philippines, Inc. (CIP)—a local consulting company that specializes in ISO recognition—completed the remote second surveillance audit of the Bank’s Head Office, 13 branches, and four field units from July to September 2021. “This recognition is in line with our thrust to promote excellent customer service as part of serving the nation. Next year, we will raise the bar even higher by expanding our performance commitments to include the continued certification to the EMS standards to fully comply with the Sustainable Finance Framework of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP),” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. During the closing meeting on 29 September 2021, CIP commended LANDBANK’s Management System and personnel for its adaptability to the changing demographics, risks, market demands, and innovations in the industry while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. “The commitment of the competent LANDBANK personnel is a key driver in its successful maintenance of the Integrated Management System (IMS). LANDBANK remains very strong and is even stronger during the pandemic,” CIP said. CIP also gave positive feedback to the Bank’s regular conduct of Management Review and Field Unit staff meetings, which was classified as an excellent way of constantly reviewing the Bank’s performance. The Bank was also commended for its consistency in upholding internal policies and procedures from the head office to the field units, as sampled units continued to achieve high targets despite the challenging task of physically reporting for work at the height of the pandemic. ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard dedicated to Quality Management Systems (QMS). It outlines a framework for improving quality and a vocabulary of understanding for any organization looking to provide products and services that consistently meet the requirements and expectations of customers and other relevant interested parties in the most efficient manner possible. LANDBANK’s continued certification to the QMS standards is part of its 2021 performance commitments to the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), while the EMS standards signifies the Bank’s continued commitment to the preservation of the environment and the efficient management of its resources.

LANDBANK backs Misamis Occidental co-op’s agri initiatives amid pandemic

  TANGUB, Misamis Occidental – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect livelihoods and employment throughout the country, the Lorenzo Tan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LTMPC) has remained responsive to the financial needs of its members, with help from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). The P300-million rediscounting loan line from the state-run Bank in 2020 allowed LTMPC to sustain its lending operations and finance the needs of its nearly 80,000 members, of whom 31,000 are farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). The loan helped LTMPC support farmers and fishers in purchasing production requirements, such as farm inputs and seedlings. It also provided for the needs of micro and small entrepreneurs, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and pensioner-members amid the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic. “LANDBANK recognizes the essential role of cooperatives in promoting economic recovery and resiliency in their local communities. We stand ready to bolster their support interventions as we continue to rise together in the new normal,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. With an assured source of funds, LTMPC has also provided its members with essential goods, such as groceries and rice, including free medical check-ups at the LTMPC Community Hospital in Zamboanga del Sur, which is owned by the cooperative. A LANBANK partner since 1991, LTMPC has expanded its operations from its lone branch in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental to 22 branches across the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte. “Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa tulong, walang-sawang pagsuporta, at tiwalang ipinagkaloob ng LANDBANK sa aming kooperatiba. Ang pampinansyal at teknikal na tulong, at abot-kayang interes ay malaking tulong sa kooperatiba lalo na sa aming mga miyembrong magsasaka,” said General Manager Lusminda S. Cubero. As of end-September 2021, LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to the agriculture sector have reached P228.21 billion, of which P21.53 billion directly benefited small farmers and fishers channeled through cooperatives and farmers’ associations. LANDBANK continues its intensified support to partner cooperatives towards ramping-up the implementation of recovery and resiliency strategies under the new normal.

LANDBANK app now allows direct payments to merchants via QR code

  The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has enhanced its Mobile Banking App (MBA) to allow users to make quick, convenient, and secure payments using quick response (QR) code to over 20,000 participating merchants nationwide. The LANDBANK MBA has adopted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) QR Ph Person-to-Merchant (P2M) feature to benefit both customers and merchants with a convenient and secure digital payment option, in line with the Government’s thrust of promoting digital transactions in the country. With this new QR feature, clients can pay for goods and services directly to merchants such as department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and restaurants. “LANDBANK is one with the BSP in making and receiving payments a more convenient, reliable, and seamless experience through the national QR code standard or QR Ph. This contactless payment feature builds on our timely and relevant digital initiatives to keep clients safe, as we continue to follow strict health protocols in the new normal,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C Borromeo. Apart from having a wide set of merchants that accept QR payments, LANDBANK clients who will use the QR payment feature will also benefit from having cost-effective transactions, minimized encoding errors, and encrypted payment information and data transfers. “QR Ph empowers consumers by giving them the freedom to choose their digital payment service through its interoperable feature, and this is aligned with the United Nations principle on responsible use of digital payments,” said BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno during the virtual launch of the QR Ph P2M on 12 October 2021. The LANDBANK MBA continues to record a surge in usage in the first three quarters of 2021, as transactions grew 50% to 73.26 million with a significant 124% rise in amount facilitated to P119.65 billion, year-on-year.  LANDBANK’s digital banking platforms power the delivery of responsive and innovative financial products and services towards greater financial inclusion.

LANDBANK funds expansion of Nueva Ecija-based rice mill

With LANDBANK's support, RVR Ricemill is regularly supplying aromatic rice varieties to Metro Manila and various provinces, while providing stable employment to almost 100 employees and a market for 6,000 rice farmers to sell their palay produce at premium prices. LUPAO, Nueva Ecija – Spouses Glenda and Alex Rommel Romano have come a long way from initially trading only a few sacks of palay and milled rice two decades ago. Now, they run a thriving rice milling business which regularly supplies Metro Manila and various provinces with tons of aromatic rice varieties. The couple’s RVR Ricemill business also provides stable employment for about 100 residents of this third-class municipality, as well as a market for up to 6,000 small rice farmers to sell their palay produce at premium prices. The expansion of the Romanos’ business operations in the last five years was made possible through loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) in 2016 and 2017. Aside from boosting their working capital, the couple used the funds for the construction of a rice mill complex and warehouse, including modern machinery and drying facilities. “The agribusiness sector is a primary driver in the country’s road to recovery. LANDBANK will continue to service their requirements toward boosting food security and generating employment opportunities, especially in the countryside,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Through the increased capital and improved operations, the RVR Rice Mill now buys more palay directly from small farmers and supplies milled rice to different markets every day—far from having only two deliveries per month before expanding their business. “Dito sa business namin, kapag malaki ang puhunan, mas malaki ang napapaikot na pera at mas maraming rice farmers ang natutulungan. Napakalaking tulong ng LANDBANK kasi kung hindi dahil sa tiwala at suportang ibinibigay nila, hindi po lalaki ang business namin,” said Mr. Romano. For the first nine months of 2021, LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to small, medium and large agribusiness enterprises have reached P145.75 billion. These involved loans to private enterprises in agri-processing, aqua-business, and other related industries engaged in the food and agriculture value chain. LANDBANK remains steadfast in helping agribusiness enterprises expand their operations as part of its main mandate to deliver intensified support to the agriculture sector.

VISA x LAZMALL CHRISTMAS OFFER

Promo Period: November 12 to December 30, 2021 1. The Promotion is open to all issuers banks of active Visa Principal or Supplementary Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cardholders. 2. Promo Offer: Shop at Lazada using your Visa card this Christmas season and enjoy Php 100 OFF on LazMall items! • The Promo is valid on regular and sale items from LazMall sellers at Lazada. • Purchase must be made on select dates from November 12, 2021 12:00 am to December 30, 2021 11:59 pm Philippine time, except on December 12-14. • Discount applies with a minimum spend of P2,500, charged to Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid Card. Discount is capped at P100. • Discount can be availed through a voucher code to be applied on purchases in Lazada and is open to new and existing Lazada customers. Customers should use the voucher code VISAXMAS100 to avail the discount. • Discount will apply when the voucher is entered at the Payment Page and the eligible Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid Card is selected as the payment option. Customer must check if voucher is applied before proceeding to final check-out. • Discount is not applicable to digital goods, stores with digital goods product/s, milk products for 3 years old below (under the Milk Code) and other goods from blacklisted sellers set by Lazada. 3. Purchase must be made using an eligible Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid Card on select dates from November 12 to December 30, 2021. 4. Payment codes cannot be used with other collectible or static code discount vouchers. 5. Transaction must be made within the Promo Period to avail of the Promo. 6. The Promo is valid at Lazada Philippines Smartphone mobile app and website. HOW TO AVAIL 1. Open the Lazada website (www.lazada.com.ph) or download the Lazada app for free via App Store for Apple users or Google Play store for Android users. 2. Select the item/s you wish to purchase then click “Add to Cart”. Prepare your card details for the transaction 3. Click the Shopping Cart icon on the right, topmost portion of the screen to view all the items on your Shopping Cart. 4. Select the item/s you wish to purchase and once you have reviewed the items on your Shopping Cart, click “Check Out” 5. Input the voucher code on the checkout page to apply the discount. Enter your shipping and billing information and select the credit card as payment method. 6. Enter your Visa Credit/Debit/Prepaid Card details and make sure to check if the discount was applied to total billing before proceeding to place the order. 7. Click “Place Order” to complete the transaction. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Discount can be used up to 5x throughout the valid promo period. 2. Discount is applicable to all Visa Credit/Debit/Prepaid Cardholders. Maximum discount is P100. 3. Discount is applied automatically at the checkout only when the voucher has been successfully applied on the order. 4. Discount is not exchangeable for cash, credit or other goods and services. 5. Discount amount cannot be applied retroactively. 6. Discount is not applicable to items marked “Voucher code not applicable on this item”. 7. Applicable only to eligible Visa card BINs and eligible items. 8. All cancelled orders will not be valid for re-instatement of voucher codes. 9. Payment codes cannot be used with other collectible or static code discount vouchers. 10. The use of the voucher is subject to the Lazada Voucher Terms and Conditions. CUSTOMER SUPPORT For questions or clarifications, please contact Lazada Customer Care by clicking the chat button at http://www.lazada.com.ph/contact. Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-xxxxxx Series of 2021

MyTEStimony Photo Contest

#MyTEStimony Photo Contest A Photo Contest for CHED-UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) grantees I. COMPLETE MECHANICS Contest Period: Submission is from November 15 to 29, 2021, announcement of winners will be on December 15, 2021 Area Coverage: Nationwide Qualified participants: CHED-UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy grantees as of the start of the contest proper TES grantees who have finished their contract with CHED-UniFAST by the start of the contest period are disqualified from joining the contest TES grantees will be asked to submit a photo appropriate to the theme of the contest: "Inspirasyon ng Kuwentong TES” Each TES grantee will only be allowed to submit one (1) entry for the contest, with a minimum of 2MB file size in JPEG format. The photo entry shall bear an inspiring caption (maximum of 150 words) related to the theme as it will be part of the criteria for judging. The criteria for judging will include photo quality, clarity of caption, and the number of votes through a dedicated Google Forms. Shortlisting of entries and determination of top ten (10) entries each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be done on December 1, 2021 via Zoom and in the presence of a DTI representative. Ten (10) entries each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be shortlisted based on photo quality and clarity of caption, and posted on the FB Pages of LANDBANK and UniFAST for one (1) week to generate votes. Upon registration, participants will be required to provide their full name, school, region, degree program, email address, and mobile number to the dedicated Google Form. Winners will be notified on the e-mail account they provided upon registration. Submission of entries: Interested TES grantee may submit their entry to this dedicated Google Form: https://bit.ly/3xzAup6 Deadline of Submission: November 29, 2021, 6:00PM Voting period: December 3, 2021 (8:00AM or upon posting of finalists on LANDBANK’s FB page, whichever comes first) to December 10, 2021, 6:00PM Winners will be announced via the Facebook pages of LANDBANK and UniFAST on December 15, 2021 Judging will be done on December 13, 2021, at 3pm via Zoom, in the presence of a DTI representative. In case of a tie, the Board of Judges shall break it through a unanimous vote after a deliberation. Employees of LANDBANK and CHED-UniFAST, including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the contest. For inquiries, you may email landbank.mytestimony@gmail.com II. Criteria and Prizes The criteria for judging are as follow: 50% photo quality – the photo entry creates a visual impact through the combination of technical attributes such as technique, composition, presentation, color balance, center of interest, and lighting 40% clarity of caption and adherence to the theme – the caption tells a compelling story behind the photo with brevity, proper grammar and punctuations, and relevance to the theme 10% total number of votes through Google Forms - entrants will also be judged by the votes they will get through a dedicated Google Forms for the contest. All “voters” should have already “Liked” the official LANDBANK (www.facebook.com/landbankofficial) and UniFAST (www.facebook.com/unifastofficial) FB Pages for their vote to be counted. Total = 100% The Board of Judges is composed of three (3) representatives from LANDBANK and two (2) representatives from UniFAST. The entries with the highest combined judges’ scores and total number of Facebook reactions will win the contest. One (1) grand winner and two (2) runners-up each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will take home the prize money. Prizes will be P10,000 for the grand winners, P8,000 for the 1st runners-up, and P7,000 for the 2nd runners-up dedicated to assist their online learning needs. Total cash prizes for the campaign will be Php100,000.00. Claiming of prize: Prizes will be credited to their TES LANDBANK Mastercard Prepaid Cards (LMPCs). In case the winner’s card is not available yet, LANDBANK will prioritize the production of their card and release it to the winner with the credited prize money.