LANDBANK brings low-cost financing to Tarlac farmers, MSMEs to boost livelihoods

1 of 4

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – LANDBANK has expanded access to affordable financing in Tarlac by delivering targeted support to farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost productivity, stabilize incomes, and strengthen the local economy.

These initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen agricultural productivity and expand financing for farmers and MSMEs under the National Government’s UPLIFT Program, a whole-of-government response to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict on the country and Filipino livelihoods.

Through the Sulong MSME Fair and the 14^th regional rollout of the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program held on May 7 and 8, 2026 respectively, LANDBANK directly linked Tarlaqueños to financing solutions that address concrete needs — from farm production and value chain activities to small business expansion.

The two-day initiative, held at the Tarlac City Convention Hall, reached over 300 MSME owners and 1,000 farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), providing access to affordable credit, digital banking services, and capacity-building support. These efforts further strengthened Tarlac’s position as a key agricultural and trading hub in Central Luzon.

“MSMEs and farmers play a vital role in strengthening Tarlac’s economy as a key agricultural and trading hub in Central Luzon. By bringing affordable financing and integrated financial services closer to Tarlaqueños, we aim to support the growth of their livelihoods and sustain local industries.  LANDBANK will continue to strengthen MSMEs and the agriculture sector as part of our commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.

The two-day engagement was supported by key local and national government partners, including Tarlac Second District Representative Maria Cristina C. Angeles, Tarlac Second District Board Member Harmes S. Sembrano, Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Director Noel Clarence M. Ducusin, alongside the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

At the Sulong MSME Fair, local entrepreneurs were able to access LANDBANK’s financing and banking solutions, anchored on the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program, which provides credit for working capital, equipment, and business expansion.

Within the broader MSME sector, farmers stand out as agri-based enterprises that require affordable financing to manage rising production costs and ensure operational sustainability.

“Marami pong farmer ang nahihirapan sa pag-uumpisa, lalo na nang biglang tumaas ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at fuel na napakahalaga sa pagsasaka. Sa tulong at puhunan mula sa LANDBANK, mas mabilis po kaming nakakapagsimula at nakakakilos,” shared Emma Tolentino, a member of the Tarlac Organic Producers – PGS Inc.

MSME clients also benefited from the SULONG MSME Solution Suite, which integrates deposit and digital banking services to streamline payments, payroll, collections, and government contributions, with eligible sole proprietors allowed to open accounts through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) and receive free life and accident insurance upon loan availment.

Meanwhile, financing for farmers and ARBs was delivered through the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which offers accessible credit at a low fixed interest rate of 3% per annum to support production, modernization, and expansion across the agricultural value chain. This is complemented by the LANDBANK ASCEND Program, which provides training, mentoring, and financial literacy to help farmers and fishers build stronger, more resilient agri-based enterprises.

“Sa ilalim ng Agrisenso Plus at ASCEND Program, hindi na kinakailangang may sariling lupang sinasaka ang mga benepisyaryo. Maaari nang makisaka, basta may kontrata ng lease sa may-ari ng lupa. Ang mga proseso po ay lalo pang pinahusay, pinadali, at pinaikli upang mas mabilis na makapag‑avail ang mga magsasaka,” said Tarlac Second District Board Member Sembrano.

Local farmers welcomed these improvements, highlighting how streamlined processes and easier access to credit are supporting farmers on the ground. “Ang LANDBANK po ang nagsisilbing sandigan ng maraming magsasaka dahil sa mga benepisyong hatid nito, lalo na ang mababang interes. Marami pong magsasaka ang patuloy na nag-aavail ng programa, lalo na ngayon na mas pinadali na ang proseso,” said farmer leader Rogelio Sotto.