LANDBANK launches Agrisenso Caravan, MSME fair

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- In a bid to uplift marginalized farmers and fisherfolk, the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) launched the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program Caravan alongside the Uswag Oragon MSME Fair, gathering more than 1,200 farmers, fishers, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), and around 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Albay on Friday.

May D. Arizabal, LANDBANK first vice president for SMLG-SME Mid Marketing Lending, said the bank continues to conduct caravans nationwide to expand access to affordable financing and strengthen the livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, and MSMEs.

Arizabal described MSMEs as the backbone of the Philippine economy, contributing significantly to national and local economic growth.

The Agrisenso Plus Lending Program Caravan was formally launched at the Albay Astrodome on June 26, 2026, marking the 16th regional rollout of the initiative.

The event brought together at least 1,200 farmers and fisherfolk for financial education sessions, digital banking discussions, and financing support aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and improving livelihoods.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the state-owned bank delegation during the simultaneous launch of the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program Caravan at the Albay Astrodome and the Uswag Oragon MSME Fair at Pepperland Hotel in Legazpi City.

Ortiz was joined by Albay Governor Noel Rosal and representatives from national government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and Department of Agrarian Reform.

Aligned with the provincial government’s “Go Green, Grow Green” program, Ortiz said LANDBANK aims to strengthen Albay’s agricultural value chain by extending financing for farm inputs, production, and value-adding activities.

“The initiative also supports the Bagong Pilipinas Uplift (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport) program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. by expanding access to financial services and livelihood opportunities for local communities,” Ortiz said.

She added that the Agrisenso Plus program seeks to empower farmers and fisherfolk toward stronger livelihoods and a more resilient agriculture sector.

“LANDBANK remains steadfast in bringing responsive financial solutions closer to Filipinos nationwide. Through sustained on-the-ground engagement, we enable farmers, fishers, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs to scale their operations and contribute meaningfully to local and national development,” Ortiz said.

Under the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, farmers, fisherfolk, and ARBs may access loans at a fixed interest rate of three percent per annum to support production, modernization, and expansion across the agricultural value chain.

The program is complemented by the ASCEND initiative, which provides training, mentoring, and financial literacy programs aimed at helping farmers and fisherfolk build resilient agri-based enterprises.

Since its launch in November 2024, Agrisenso Plus has expanded to several key agricultural areas nationwide, including Camarines Sur, Pampanga, Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, Bukidnon, Iloilo, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and North Cotabato.

As of April 2026, LANDBANK said it has released more than P3.68 billion in loans benefiting over 15,000 small farmers and fisherfolk nationwide through the program.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs may avail themselves of the LIFTING MSMEs lending program for working capital, equipment acquisition, and business expansion. Eligible sole proprietors are also entitled to one year of free life and accident insurance upon loan availment.

MSMEs may also enhance operations through the SULONG MSME solution suite, which integrates deposit and digital banking services to streamline payments, payroll, collections, and government transactions through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App.

LANDBANK said the initiatives aim to support Albayanos from agricultural production to enterprise expansion and help transform local livelihoods into stronger and more resilient businesses.