LANDBANK expands support for Bicol farmers with Agrisenso Plus launch in CamSur

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PILI, CAMARINES SUR – Reinforcing its commitment to advance agricultural modernization and strengthen national food security, LANDBANK continues the nationwide rollout of its flagship Agrisenso Plus Lending Program to bring affordable, inclusive, and responsive lending support closer to agricultural communities across Camarines Sur.

LANDBANK conducted its 13^th provincial rollout at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur on 29 April 2026, engaging around 1,200 farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from across the province and opening wider access to financial and development support services. This continuing rollout supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost local agricultural production and help ease the economic impact of the current energy crisis.

The Agrisenso Plus launch was fully supported by the local government, with Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr., Vice Governor Salvio Patrick F. Fortuno, Jr., and Pili Mayor Marivic B. Solano in attendance, alongside the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), the National Food Authority (NFA), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), who all expressed their gratitude for the strong multi-agency collaboration.

“Camarines Sur is a critical contributor to the national economy — from rice, coconut, and high-value crops, to livestock and fisheries that sustain both local communities and distant markets. Through Agrisenso Plus, we are expanding access to affordable financing and market support to help farmers and fishers strengthen their livelihoods and contribute to the province’s long-term growth,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.

As the largest province in the Bicol Region, Camarines Sur plays a vital role in regional food production, with 29 of its 37 municipalities relying primarily on agriculture. In close coordination with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, LANDBANK aims to boost local farm productivity and strengthen market systems, reaffirming its full support for the province’s agricultural development initiatives.

“Sa pagdating at paglunsad ng Agrisenso Plus, mas pinapalakas natin ang laban para sa mga magsasaka. Ang ibig sabihin po nito: lehitimong financing, affordable, timely, and responsive [program] para sa ating mga farmers at fisher folks,” said Camarines Sur Governor Villafuerte.

The Agrisenso Plus Lending Program offers accessible financing at a reduced fixed interest rate of 3% per annum, complemented by technical assistance and market support. The program is designed to help farmers, fishers, ARBs, and agri-based enterprises scale up operations, adopt modern technologies, and improve productivity and income.

Supporting this is the LANDBANK ASCEND Program, a capacity-building initiative that provides training, mentoring, and market integration to enable holistic development across the agricultural value chain.

“Buong suporta nating tinatanggap at sinusulong ang patuloy na implementasyon ng LANDBANK Agrisenso Program. Napakalaki ng naitutulong ng programang ito sa ating mga komunidad lalo na sa pagbibigay ng mas madaling access sa financial assistance, agricultural support services, at iba pang oportunidad na makakatulong upang mapataas ang produksyion, mapabuti ang kabuhayan at mabigyan ng mas matatag na kinabukasan ang ating mga magsasaka at kanilang pamilya,” said Pili Mayor Solano.

The Agrisenso Plus has been rolled out across key agricultural areas nationwide. As of March 2026, the Program has approved over ₱3.62 billion in loans, benefitting more than 15,100 small farmers and fishers across the country, helping strengthen rural livelihoods and expand production capacity.

“Masaya ang DA kapag ang mga magsasaka ay kumikita. Kaya naman patuloy ang pakikipagtulungan ng national at local government, katuwang ang LANDBANK upang tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” said DA Undersecretary Atty. Asis G. Perez.

For Leonardo Z. De Cepida, President of the Baliuag Viejo Farmers’ Association in Minalabac, Camarines Sur, the LANDBANK Agrisenso Plus Program offers a promising opportunity for local farmers, giving them renewed hope for more accessible and affordable financing support.

“Napakalaking tulong sa aming mga kapamilya sa farming ang LANDBANK Agrisenso Plus. Nakikita ko na ito ang paraan upang kami ay makaangat. Kasi kapag wala talagang kapital, napipilitan kaming umutang sa mga nagpapautang na napakataas ng interes,” he said.

Farming has been De Cepida’s primary source of livelihood, enabling him to support and provide for his family. Previously, he had no choice but to secure loans for farm inputs from private lenders at interest rates reaching 10% per month to cover the costs of seeds, fertilizers, and farm labor.

Now, he is encouraging his daughter, Luisa D. Caporado, to also become involved in agriculture, hopeful that better access to financing will make farming a more viable and rewarding livelihood for the next generation.

LANDBANK remains steadfast in its commitment to empower farmers and fishers by expanding access to financing, strengthening market linkages, and providing the tools, knowledge, and support needed to improve productivity and sustain growth.