MANILA, Philippines — In a move to help boost rice production and cushion farmers
from rising input costs, LANDBANK has partnered with the Unified Tiller Agriculture
Cooperative (UTAC) under the Bank’s flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program,
further strengthening its support for rural livelihoods and the national food supply
chain.
The partnership aims to empower more than 8,000 farmers and Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries (ARBs) with access to affordable financing, technical support, and
stable market channels for their produce.
“We firmly believe that meaningful change begins with meaningful collaborations.
LANDBANK remains fully committed to supporting UTAC and their partners through
accessible financing, technical assistance, and dedicated loan servicing—ensuring
that no farmer is left behind in our shared journey,” said LANDBANK President and
CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.
Under the collaboration, LANDBANK will provide the financing backbone and training
support through its AGRISENSO Plus and ASCEND Programs. UTAC will provide
the technology of Regenerative Farming protocols, supplies agricultural inputs, buy,
process and sell agricultural outputs, extensive support and comprehensive
assistance and increasing farmers’ profitability.
The partnership signing on 14 April 2025 was led by LANDBANK President and CEO
Ortiz and UTAC CEO Artemio N. Guzman, with LANDBANK Executive Vice
President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, First Vice President Eden B. Japitana, UTAC Vice
Chairman Earl P. Gorospe Jr., and Treasurer Rizzean B. Jose as witnesses.
“We appreciate LANDBANK's steadfast support, and we are dedicated to uplifting
our farmers not only through financial services but also by nurturing long-term growth
opportunities,” said UTAC CEO Guzman.
UTAC becomes the sixth anchor partner under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending
Program, joining SariSuki, TAO Foods, KITA Agritech, Syntegral Global Solutions,
and Yovel East in advancing modernization of the agriculture sector across the
country.
As of March 2025, LANDBANK has released P877.98 million in loans under
AGRISENSO Plus, benefitting nearly 4,700 borrowers nationwide.
This partnership underscores LANDBANK’s mandate to advance Philippine
agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers and supporting the entire agri value
chain. Through targeted financing and strong partnerships, the Bank continues to
drive inclusive growth and strengthen national food security.
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.
About UTAC
The Unified Tiller Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC) is a cooperative based in
Cagayan, Isabela, dedicated to improving the lives of rice farmers. UTAC focuses on
enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and
providing its members with the resources and support they need to thrive.
