MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – As part of its nationwide thrust to strengthen food
security and drive rural development, LANDBANK launched its flagship AGRISENSO
Plus Lending Program in this City, the initiative’s first major rollout in Mindanao.
The event gathered over 1,200 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform
beneficiaries (ARBs) from across the province, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to
expanding financial access and support for agri-based communities.
Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto commended the
initiative, which is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s goal to boost the
agriculture sector, accelerate rural development, and strengthen the country’s food
security.
“Ang programang ito ng LANDBANK at ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, Jr. ay isang
konkreto at inklusibong sagot sa matagal niyo nang panawagan na tulong pinansyal.
Ito ay programang may malasakit—at may malinaw na pangarap na gawing abot- kamay ang pag-asenso ng bawat magsasaka at mangingisda,” Secretary Recto said in a message during the launch event on 20 June 2025 at the Kaamulan Theater, Kaamulan Grounds, Malaybalay City.
The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program launch in Bukidnon is the fifth in a series of
nationwide rollouts, following successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela,
and Batanes, which collectively engaged more than 3,800 farmers from Northern and
Central Luzon.
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the program launch, together with
Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque and Department of Agriculture
Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro. Also present were Philippine Guarantee
Corporation President and CEO Albert E. Pascual, Malaybalay Mayor Jay Warren
Pabillaran, LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Leila
C. Martin, and farmer leader Bambi A. Lagata from Jasaan, Cabansalan.
“Bukidnon plays a vital role in ensuring food security for Mindanao and the rest of the
country. With its rich soil and favorable climate, the Province continues to lead in the
production of rice, corn, sugarcane, pineapple, coffee, and many other high-value
crops. Our efforts through AGRISENSO Plus are also in step with the Provincial
Government’s agenda of building a stronger economy and increasing agricultural
productivity,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.
Strengthening agri financing and building capacity
The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK’s comprehensive value
chain-based financing initiative, developed in partnership with the DA, Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and various private
sector stakeholders.
The Program offers a fixed interest rate of 4.0% per annum for small farmers, fishers,
and ARBs, with competitive rates for their associations and organizations, micro,
small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and
agriculture graduates.
Under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, eligible borrowers benefit from simplified
documentation requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access
to financing and technical support across a wide range of agricultural activities.
The Program also connects borrowers to market opportunities through partnerships
with anchor firms, namely Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods
Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers
Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC).
AGRISENSO Plus is reinforced by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support
through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, a capacity-
building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial
literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development.
As of May 2025, LANDBANK has extended a total of ₱1.16 billion in loans through
AGRISENSO Plus, directly benefiting 6,853 borrowers and advancing growth across
the agriculture sector.
LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mandate to advance countryside development by
scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agri value chain — empowering
small producers, driving productivity, and helping lay the groundwork for a more food-
secure Philippines.
ABOUT LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting
financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development.
Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible
and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to
countrywide.
