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 (This program by Landbank and President Bongbong Marcos Jr. is a concrete and inclusive response to your long-standing call for financial assistance. It is a program rooted in compassion—with a clear vision of making progress within reach for every farmer and fisherfolk),” 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.
The Agrisenso Plus Lending Program is Landbank’s comprehensive value chain-based financing initiative, developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the 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. This capacity-building component offers farmers and fishers training in 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. PR