DESPITE transportation and connectivity challenges in areas affected by Typhoon Odette, state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) has successfully completed the turnover of P21.2 million worth of financial assistance to 198 local government units (LGUs) for their relief and recovery efforts.

Recipients of the donations include provincial, city and municipal government units from areas severely affected by the typhoon, including Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Leyte, Bohol and Cebu.

Other LGUs that have received financial assistance are those from Antique, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Palawan.

Landbank has set aside P200,000 each for six provinces, P150,000 each for 16 cities, and P100,000 each for 176 municipalities.

“We consider LGUs as our valuable partners in various initiatives, including in the delivery of relief and recovery interventions to local communities. Providing affected LGUs with immediate financial assistance in the aftermath of typhoon Odette is crucial to quickly address the fundamental needs of our countrymen,” said Landbank president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo.

Donations were also collected among Landbank personnel for the benefit of the bank’s employees and communities significantly affected by Typhoon Odette through the Landbank Ambag System (Alternative Mechanism of Benevolent Assistance for the Greater good) cash donation campaign.

Majority of Landbank branches and most automated teller machines (ATMs) in areas affected by the typhoon were already restored to service the banking needs of the customers. Meanwhile, some branches are temporarily closed due to Covid-19 exposure of personnel and ongoing disinfection activities to ensure the health and safety of Landbank clients and employees.

The Bank’s Agent Banking Partners which include cooperatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), among others, are also serving the basic banking requirements of the customers, such as cash withdrawals.

With the New Year, Landbank reaffirms its commitment to providing unwavering support to the nation to fast-track recovery and promote development that is inclusive and sustainable. (PR)