LANDBANK expands lending program for former rebels, extremists

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has renamed its Lending Program for former rebels to the Balik-Loob Lending Program (BLLP) and widened its eligible borrowers to cover as well former violent extremists, including cooperatives and associations with former violent extremists as regular members.

The coverage expansion forms part of the state-run Bank’s support to the National Government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which aims to improve the livelihood of former rebels and violent extremists and their families by financing small businesses and agri-enterprises.

“As part of the National Government’s ‘Whole-of-Nation’ approach, LANDBANK supports peace-building efforts in conflict-affected areas. Centered on our thrust of financial inclusion, we are offering financial assistance for the social re-integration of those who have voluntarily abandoned armed struggle to improve their livelihood,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Under the updated terms of the BLLP, interested former rebels and violent extremists may apply for a loan provided that they will designate an immediate family member as a co-maker.

Eligibility criteria for borrowers include an age requirement of at least 21 years old, no pending legal case, and a certification from the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC), as the government body assigned to verify the identities of former rebels and violent extremists upon their return to the fold of the law.

Launched in 2018, LANDBANK’s BLLP has financed livelihood projects, such as sari-sari stores, RTW retailing, fruits and vegetables retailing, and curtain making, as well as agri-enterprises, which include crop production, piggery, and poultry, among others. Eligible borrowers also attended capacity building and skills trainings endorsed under the E-CLIP.

The E-CLIP is the flagship program of the National Government for social healing and national unity to achieve just and lasting peace in conflict-affected areas.

Unlike previous rebel reintegration programs, the E-CLIP provides a wider array of benefits based on the specific needs of former rebels and extremists and their families, such as financial assistance, housing, education, skills training, healthcare, and legal assistance, among others.

For more information about LANDBANK’s loan programs, clients may follow the Bank’s official social media channels at @landbankofficial on Facebook and Instagram, @LBP_Official on Twitter, and @LANDBANK on Viber.