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 April 14, 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. (PR)