UP, LANDBANK launch scholarships, digital banking partnership

The University of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding to fund student scholarships, faculty grants, and roll out digital banking services across UP campuses, aiming to boost education access and digital inclusion nationwide.

Under the agreement signed Aug. 1 at Quezon Hall in UP Diliman in Quezon City, LANDBANK committed to support UP’s LINGAP-ISKOLAR Program through employee-funded scholarships and professorial chair grants for educators, targeting students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The partnership is rooted in corporate social responsibility, with over 12,000 LANDBANK employees contributing voluntarily to fund the program.

“We are proud to walk alongside UP in shaping the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and nation-builders,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. “Whether by funding education or supporting faculty development, LANDBANK is committed to helping expand access to quality education and financial services — especially in underserved communities.”

Leading the ceremonial signing were UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Leila C. Martin. Also present were UP Executive Vice President Leo D.P. Cubillan, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ma. Shari Niña G. Oliquino, Office of Admissions Director Francisco N. De Los Reyes, and LANDBANK Senior Vice Presidents Marilou L. Villafranca and Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva.

The collaboration integrates UP’s educational mission with LANDBANK’s CSR pillars—Sustainability, Environment, Resilience, Volunteerism, and Education (S.E.R.V.E.)—to build a framework for progressive, inclusive development.

As part of the partnership, UP will implement the LANDBANK Cash-Lite Campus initiative, a digital platform that promotes cashless transactions and online banking access for students, staff, and vendors.

The Cash-Lite Campus program includes mobile banking services, QR payments, and e-commerce tools through the LANDBANK app, aimed at enabling faster, safer transactions on campus.

UP will also assist in rolling out LANDBANK’s financial education campaigns and help identify scholars and grant recipients through campus-wide engagements.

The partnership further extended to admissions support, as LANDBANK promoted the Aug. 2–3 UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) through its branch network and online channels.

Free transportation was also provided for UPCAT takers in remote areas, easing barriers to entry for aspiring students.

Beyond scholarships, LANDBANK will offer internship opportunities and prioritize hiring qualified UP graduates for positions across the bank, its subsidiaries, and foundation.