MANILA, Philippines—The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) launched its flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on June 20, marking the initiative’s first major rollout in Mindanao.

In a statement, it said that the event gathered over 1,200 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from various parts of the province.

It likewise said it is the fifth leg of the nationwide rollout, following launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, and Batanes, which have engaged over 3,800 farmers from Northern and Central Luzon.

Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto, in a message during the launch at the Kaamulan Theater, expressed support for the program and its alignment with the administration’s food security and rural development agenda.

“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,” Recto said.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the launch, joined by Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, and officials from partner agencies and the private sector.

“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,” Ortiz said.

AGRISENSO Plus is a value chain-based financing program developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and private sector stakeholders.

It offers a fixed interest rate of 4.0 percent per annum for small farmers, fishers, and ARBs, along with competitive rates for cooperatives, MSMEs, large enterprises, and agriculture graduates.

According to LANDBANK, borrowers benefit from simplified documentation, free life and credit insurance, and expanded financing access.

The program also facilitates market linkage through partnerships with anchor firms, including 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 supported by LANDBANK’s ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, which provides training on digital financial literacy, sustainable farming, and enterprise development.

As of May 2025, LANDBANK has released P1.16 billion in loans under AGRISENSO Plus, directly benefitting 6,853 borrowers nationwide.