LANDBANK rolls out AGRISENSO Plus, cash-lite campus in Negros

BAIS CITY, Negros Oriental — The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) reinforced its commitment to agriculture and financial inclusion by rolling out the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Negros Oriental and launching its first Cash-Lite Campus initiative in the Visayas.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the activities and was joined by Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. Ma. Isabel L. Sagarbarria, 3rd District Rep. Janice Mira V. Degamo, Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel T. Goñi, and Mabinay Mayor Ernie T. Uy during the AGRISENSO event at the Bais City Multi-Purpose Facility, which drew more than 2,000 farmers and fishers from across the province.

“We begin 2026 here in Negros Oriental with a clear purpose: to champion the farmers and fishers who feed our nation. AGRISENSO Plus provides smart capital to help them adapt, ascend the value chain, and transform the province’s rich harvests into enduring prosperity. At the same time, the Cash-Lite Campus initiative advances our mission of financial inclusivity nationwide, empowering communities to manage their finances safely and conveniently while preparing the youth for a digitally-driven future,” said President and CEO Ortiz.

LANDBANK is a government-owned bank with a mandate that includes supporting countryside development and agricultural financing alongside inclusive banking services.

AGRISENSO Plus lending program

AGRISENSO Plus offers small farmers, fishers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, agri graduates, Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, and cooperatives and enterprises under Sagip Saka access to affordable financing at a fixed interest rate of 3% per annum, along with simplified documentation and free insurance coverage.

Farmer Belmar N. De Baguio, president of the Bago Farmers’ Association, expressed gratitude: “Bilang isang farmer, nagpapasalamat ako sa AGRISENSO Plus ng LANDBANK dahil 3% na lang ang interest rate at malaking tulong ito sa aming mga magsasaka.” (“As a farmer, I am thankful for LANDBANK’s AGRISENSO Plus because the interest rate is now only 3%, and this is a big help to us farmers.”)

As of Dec. 31, 2025, LANDBANK has released PHP 3.03 billion in loans benefiting more than 14,500 agriculture borrowers nationwide, and it is targeting 10,500 farmers and fishers in 2026 as the program expands to more regions.

LANDBANK said AGRISENSO Plus is complemented by the ASCEND Program, which provides capacity building and financial education to help maximize productivity and income.

Local leaders lauded the initiative, with Sagarbarria and Goñi citing its potential to support sustainable growth and modernization, while Degamo pointed to the streamlined loan process as a boost to accessibility for farmers and fisherfolk.

“Apil sa mandato sa Land Bank of the Philippines ang pag-ugmad ug pagtabang, paghatag ug kapital, paghatag og opportunity sa mga kugihan nga mga farmers ug mangingisda, nga makapanukad ta,” she said. (“Part of the mandate of LANDBANK is to develop and support, to provide capital, and to create opportunities for hardworking farmers and fisherfolk so they can improve their livelihood.”)

First Cash-Lite Campus in Visayas

On the same day, LANDBANK launched its first Cash-Lite Campus in the Visayas at Metro Dumaguete College, with MDC President Dr. Delma P. Manila joining the event.

The initiative integrates digital payment solutions for students, faculty, and campus partners to support faster, safer, and more convenient transactions.

“Through this cash-lite initiative, we are doing more than introducing a payment system. We are easing burdens for families, simplifying transactions, and allowing students to focus on learning and building their future,” said Dr. Manila.

MDC students and personnel can open LANDBANK PISO Plus accounts via the mobile app and pay tuition and fees online through Link.BizPortal, with more than 2,500 students and staff expected to benefit.

Student Cyrus Navarro shared his excitement: “I’m really looking forward to paying my tuition and other expenses using this method. It’s easier and more convenient. Maraming salamat LANDBANK sa opportunity na binigay mo sa MDC.”

LANDBANK said the initiative builds on its digital adoption, citing 800 million digital transactions in 2025, up 27% year over year, and total transaction value of PHP 4.41 trillion, with more Cash-Lite Campus launches scheduled nationwide this year.

The push aligns with the central bank’s broader effort to expand digital payments in the Philippines, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reporting that digital retail payments made up 57.4% of total transaction volume in 2024.