Landbank brings financing, digital solutions closer to Negros MSMEs

More than 500 micro, small and medium enterprises from Negros Occidental gained direct access to financing and business support as the Land Bank of the Philippines launched its first regional rollout of the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program through the Padayon MSME Fair at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Thursday.

Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Kiko Benitez led the fair, joining entrepreneurs in Bacolod to highlight the importance of accessible credit and technical training in driving local economic recovery.

During the event, participating entrepreneurs gained direct access to financing, digital banking solutions and on-the-spot consultations with Landbank officers. The setup allowed them to begin loan applications and open business accounts within the same venue, reducing barriers to financial access and accelerating business onboarding.

Benitez emphasized that the initiative is just the starting point for a larger, sustained effort to uplift entrepreneurs.

“With LANDBANK’s support, we will continue to do everything we can to capacitate MSMEs and make it easier and more efficient for them to access services, grow their businesses, and sustain their operations. Our goal is to help communities progress and move forward together,” Benitez said.

The LIFTING MSMEs program, which stands for Landbank’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth thru Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, was launched nationwide in December 2025. It expands access to credit for working capital, equipment acquisition and business expansion.

Complementing the lending program, Landbank introduced the Sulong MSME Solution Suite during the fair. The bundled set of deposit and digital banking services is designed to support enterprises beyond credit access and help formalize their operations.

“MSMEs are more than participants in our economy — they are the backbone of our communities and a powerful driver of transformative growth. When MSMEs grow, growth becomes inclusive. When MSMEs succeed, more Filipino families move forward,” Ortiz said.

Through the solution suite, MSMEs can simplify account opening, manage collections and supplier payments through Landbank’s digital channels, process payroll online and settle government contributions to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund and PhilHealth.

Businesses may also accept customer payments through Landbank channels, supporting better cash flow management and business formalization.

Sole proprietors can now open accounts via the Landbank Mobile Banking App, while partnerships and corporations can enroll through Landbank branches. Upon loan availment under the LIFTING MSMEs program, eligible sole proprietors also receive one-year free life and accident insurance.

Ma. Armela Batalla, an overseas Filipino worker who founded BCM Food Products in 2020 after the pandemic prevented her from returning abroad, turned an abundant supply of bangus into an innovative lumpiang bangus business.

Reflecting on her experience at the fair, Batalla said: “As MSME, hindi ko akalain na ang government pala ay may maiitutulong pala sa amin. Kasi akala namin dati, MSMEs ay small business lang. Nakikita ko si LANDBANK na makakasama ko siya sa paglago ng negosyo ko in the next three years.”

MSMEs account for 99.6% of all business establishments in the Philippines and employ more than 63% of the country’s workforce, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. Despite their economic significance, many struggle with limited access to formal credit and banking services, making programs like LIFTING MSMEs critical to broadening financial inclusion.

Through the Padayon MSME Fair, Landbank continues to deepen its support for small enterprises, empowering entrepreneurs with the capital and financial tools needed to grow, compete and generate more jobs in their communities.