P4.3-B LANDBANK loan to back Pangasinan’s infra, health dev’t

MALATE, Manila – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) greenlighted a P4.3 billion loan to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, geared towards the improved delivery of public, health and tourism services in the Province.

The loan is part of the P6 billion omnibus term loan agreement signed by the LGU and the state-run Bank earlier this year to fund the priority development projects in Pangasinan.

The signing of the agreement was led by Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz on 25 October 2023 at LANDBANK Plaza in Malate, Manila.

They were joined by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, Acting Provincial Treasurer Cristy C. Ubando, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth F. Torre and Provincial Accountant Atty. Marlon C. Operaña, along with LANDBANK Senior Vice Presidents Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Filipina B. Monje.

“LANDBANK remains committed to supporting Pangasinan’s transformative journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable local economy through our wide array of support services. We look to expedite progress within the Province for the improved delivery of basic and medical services, increased socio-economic activities, and a more robust local tourism sector,” said President Ortiz.

Of the P4.3 billion loan, P1.8 billion is earmarked for the construction of an 11-storey government center in the Municipality of Lingayen, designed to house the offices of the Provincial Government and national government agencies. Another P500 million is allocated for the development of the Provincial Capitol Complex.

To provide better health care for Pangasinenses, P758 million will be used for the purchase of advanced hospital equipment, including computed tomography (CT) scanners, x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound machines for the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, six (6) district hospitals and seven (7) community hospitals in the Province.

Meanwhile, P700 million is set to fund the acquisition of land and construction of support facilities for the Bolinao airport in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

The remaining P500 million will help establish a corporate center for businesses and other commercial spaces to help stimulate local economic activity.

“We’re rolling out and implementing impactful projects that will boost the economy and improve the lives of our people. We are thankful for our partners like LANDBANK, who are ready to support us as we invest in the future of Pangasinan,” said Governor Guico III.

LANDBANK remains a major development partner of the local government sector, supporting the financing requirements for inclusive local development in line with its broader thrust of serving the nation.