NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) reinforced its commitment to agriculture and financial inclusion with the provincial rollout of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program and the launch of its first Cash-Lite Campus in the Visayas on February 12, 2026.

The events were led by LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, joined by Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. Ma. Isabel L. Sagarbarria, 3rd District Rep. Janice Mira V. Degamo, Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel T. Goñi, and Mabinay Mayor Ernie T. Uy, gathering over 2,000 farmers and fishers at the Bais City Multi-Purpose Facility.

Ortiz said the initiatives aim to provide “smart capital” to farmers and fishers while promoting financial inclusivity for communities and preparing students for a digitally-driven future.

AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program

The program offers small farmers, fishers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, agri graduates, Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs), and cooperatives affordable financing at a 3% annual interest rate, with simplified documentation and free insurance coverage.

Belmar N. De Baguio, president of the Bago Farmers’ Association, said, “Bilang isang farmer, nagpapasalamat ako sa AGRISENSO Plus ng LANDBANK dahil 3% na lang ang interest rate at malaking tulong ito sa aming mga magsasaka.”
(“As a farmer, I am thankful for LANDBANK’s AGRISENSO Plus because the interest rate is only 3%, and this is a big help to us farmers.”)

As of December 31, 2025, LANDBANK has released ₱3.03 billion in loans benefiting over 14,500 agri borrowersnationwide, with plans to reach 10,500 more farmers and fishers in 2026. The program is complemented by the ASCEND Program, which provides capacity-building and financial education to maximize productivity and income.

Local officials praised the initiative. Rep. Sagarbarria and Mayor Goñi highlighted its role in sustainable growth and modernization, while Rep. Degamo lauded the streamlined loan process for easier accessibility.

Cash-Lite Campus Initiative

On the same day, LANDBANK launched its first Cash-Lite Campus in the Visayas at Metro Dumaguete College (MDC), joined by MDC President Dr. Delma P. Manila. The initiative integrates digital payment solutions for students, faculty, and campus partners, enabling faster, safer, and more convenient transactions.

Students and staff can now open LANDBANK PISO Plus accounts via the mobile app and pay tuition and fees online through Link.BizPortal. Over 2,500 students and personnel are expected to benefit.

Student Cyrus Navarro shared, “I’m really looking forward to paying my tuition and other expenses using this method. It’s easier and more convenient. Maraming salamat LANDBANK sa opportunity na binigay mo sa MDC.”

Ortiz noted that the initiative builds on LANDBANK’s digital adoption, with 800 million digital transactions in 2025, up 27% from the previous year, totaling ₱4.41 trillion in transaction value. More Cash-Lite Campus launches are planned nationwide this year.