State-run LANDBANK and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have partnered to strengthen the country’s water security and environmental resilience
through enhanced collaboration on water-related projects.
The partnership was formalized through a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) led by LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and DENR Secretary
Raphael P.M. Lotilla on 15 October 2025 at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City. They were joined by LANDBANK Senior Vice President Gonzalo Benjamin A. Bongolan and
DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David.
Under the agreement, LANDBANK and the DENR will jointly promote sustainable water resource management by extending financial and technical support to water districts, local
government units (LGUs), and other institutions engaged in water supply, sanitation, and conservation initiatives.
“LANDBANK reiterates its commitment to provide accessible financing to water districts, LGUs, and other entities engaged in water supply, sanitation, and conservation projects.
Together, we aim to build resilient communities, strengthen public health, and secure the country’s water future,” said LANDBANK President Ortiz, underscoring the urgency of
sustainable water solutions in the face of climate-related challenges.
The partnership builds on the Bank’s existing H 2 OPE Lending Program (Water Program for Everyone), through which LANDBANK has already released ₱5 billion in financing to 35
borrowers nationwide as of August 2025. This enhanced collaboration will further scale up support for water-related initiatives nationwide.
LANDBANK will allocate funds and design financing programs for eligible projects, promote concessional lending opportunities, and provide related financial services. As a Direct
Access Entity (DAE) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), LANDBANK will also partner with the DENR to develop and manage projects for GCF funding.
“Integrated water management is a challenge that we need to be constantly working on. With LANDBANK's support as the implementing agency for the loan facility, we can move forward
with ease, without having to establish a new system and new agencies to administer the same. Through this partnership, we will also explore a responsive loan instrument for water
service providers to better support their operations and improve access to safe water across communities,” said DENR Sec. Lotilla.
For its part, the DENR will identify priority water programs and provide technical guidance in water resource management, conservation, and environmental impact assessments. It will
likewise assist eligible proponents in securing necessary environmental permits and approvals.
Eligible projects include the development and rehabilitation of water supply systems, wastewater treatment, watershed protection, and other climate-resilient water resource
projects aligned with national policies and UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on clean water and sanitation for all.
