MANILA — Land Bank of the Philippines has stepped up its response to rising energy costs by rolling out a mix of fuel subsidies, commuter assistance, and concessional financing aimed at supporting vulnerable sectors.

The state-run bank said the measures form part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program.

Under the initiative, LANDBANK is working with the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Department of Information and Communications Technology to digitally process the ₱10-per-liter Fuel Subsidy Program.

Launched on April 14 and set to run until July 2026, the program uses the bank’s digital platform to facilitate the distribution of aid to qualified drivers and operators, as well as accredited fuel stations.

“Amid rising fuel costs, LANDBANK remains committed to delivering responsive and inclusive financial solutions that directly benefit transport operators, commuters, and food producers. Through close coordination with government partners, we ensure that assistance reaches those who need it, when they need it most,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.

Through the system, eligible public utility jeepney and UV Express drivers can receive a ₱10 discount per liter of diesel at participating gasoline stations in Metro Manila, with a weekly cap of 150 liters or ₱1,500 per unit.

The bank has also reintroduced the MRT-3 Balik Pasahe with LANDBANK Promo, offering full fare cashback to commuters who use LANDBANK contactless Visa Debit, Mastercard Prepaid, or Mastercard Credit cards at select turnstiles from April 15 to July 31, 2026.

For longer-term assistance, LANDBANK said it is expanding access to financing through its Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Efforts for a Sustainable Recovery (CARES) Plus Lending Program, which provides loans to transport groups, micro, small and medium enterprises, and other affected sectors.

The bank is also increasing support for agriculture through the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which offers loans at a 3 percent annual interest rate to help farmers and fishers cope with rising input costs. This is complemented by the Agri-Fishery Support thru Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development (ASCEND) Program, which provides training, market linkage, and enterprise development support.

LANDBANK said the combined interventions aim to address both immediate and long-term impacts of the energy crisis by ensuring continued public transport operations, easing commuting costs, and maintaining food production.

The bank added that it remains committed to delivering accessible financial solutions as part of the government’s broader push for inclusive and sustainable development.