LANDBANK supports Albay farmers, MSMEs toward long-term growth

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – From boosting farm production to supporting enterprise growth, LANDBANK expanded access to affordable financing to help farmers, fishers, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Albay strengthen their livelihoods and achieve sustainable growth.

The state-owned Bank rolled out its Agrisenso Plus caravan at the Albay Astrodome and the Uswag, Oragon MSME Fair at The Pepperland Hotel on 26 June 2026, bringing together over 1,000 farmers, fishers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), along with more than 300 MSMEs. Participants gained access to affordable credit, digital banking services, and capacity-building support to boost agricultural productivity and enterprise development.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the twin events, alongside Albay Governor Noel E. Rosal, Legazpi City Administrator Grace R. Bachiller, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Dindo G. Nabol, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

Aligned with the Provincial Government’s “Go Green, Grow Green” Program, LANDBANK aims to support Albay’s agriculture value chain by extending financing for farm inputs, production, and value-adding activities to boost productivity, strengthen food security, and advance a more sustainable agriculture.

“LANDBANK remains steadfast in bringing responsive financial solutions closer to Filipinos nationwide. Through sustained on-the-ground engagement, we enable farmers, fishers, cooperatives and entrepreneurs to scale their operations and contribute meaningfully to local and national development,” said President and CEO Ortiz.

The initiative also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen agricultural production and expand financing access for farmers and MSMEs under the National Government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework.

Advancing agriculture and enterprise growth

Farmers, fishers, and ARBs are provided access to financing through the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which offers loans at a fixed interest rate of 3% per annum to support production, modernization, and expansion across the agricultural value chain. This is complemented by the ASCEND Program, which provides training, mentoring, and financial education to help farmers and fishers build stronger and more resilient agri-based enterprises.

“Through LANDBANK’s Agrisenso Plus, we are bringing support closer to our people, especially to our farmers who continue to work hard for their families and communities. This program reflects the value of partnership in delivering meaningful initiatives that benefit our people today and leave a lasting legacy for the province of Albay,” said Albay Governor Rosal.

For farmer leader Shariza M. Requiero, the program gives farmers like her renewed confidence to restart and grow their livelihood with support from LANDBANK.

“Naramdaman po talaga naming mga farmers na mahalaga kami sa LANDBANK. Dahil sa Agrisenso Plus, hindi lang po kami mabibigyan ng additional income, inaasahan din naming mas matututo kami kung paano mapalago ang aming kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng mga training at seminar,” said Requiero.

At the Uswag, Oragon MSME Fair, local entrepreneurs were introduced to LANDBANK’s LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program for working capital, equipment acquisition, and business expansion. Eligible sole proprietors were also entitled to one-year free life and accident insurance upon loan availment.

“Malaking tulong po ang LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program sa aming mga negosyante. Dahil sa mababang interes, natutulungan kaming makapagsimula. It also opens more opportunities for us to reach new markets and explore innovations para mas mapalago pa ang aming negosyo,” said Cristine Diaz, owner of 2FT Food Products.

MSMEs were also provided access to the SULONG MSME Solution Suite, which integrates deposit and digital banking services to streamline payments, payroll, collections, and government transactions, with account opening made available via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA).

Through these efforts, LANDBANK is supporting the full growth journey of Albayanos, from farm production to enterprise expansion and from business start-up to long-term success, helping transform local livelihoods into stronger and more resilient enterprises.