TARLAC CITY — Land Bank of the Philippines has expanded access to affordable financing in Tarlac through programs aimed at supporting farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and local economic activity.

The initiatives were carried out through the Sulong MSME Fair and the 14th regional rollout of the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program held on May 7 and 8 at the Tarlac City Convention Hall.

According to LANDBANK, the two-day activity benefited more than 300 MSME owners and 1,000 farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries by providing access to credit assistance, digital banking services, and training support.

The bank said the programs are aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen financing support for farmers and MSMEs under the National Government’s UPLIFT Program, which seeks to address the economic effects of the conflict in the Middle East on Filipino livelihoods.

“MSMEs and farmers play a vital role in strengthening Tarlac’s economy as a key agricultural and trading hub in Central Luzon. By bringing affordable financing and integrated financial services closer to Tarlaqueños, we aim to support the growth of their livelihoods and sustain local industries. LANDBANK will continue to strengthen MSMEs and the agriculture sector as part of our commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country,” LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz said.

The event was attended by several national and local government officials, including Tarlac Second District Representative Maria Cristina Angeles, Tarlac Second District Board Member Harmes Sembrano, and Agricultural Credit Policy Council Director Noel Clarence Ducusin, along with representatives from various government agencies.

Under the Sulong MSME Fair, entrepreneurs were introduced to financing and banking solutions through the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program, which offers loans for working capital, equipment acquisition, and business expansion.

Farmer Emma Tolentino of the Tarlac Organic Producers – PGS Inc. said the assistance from LANDBANK has helped farmers cope with rising costs.

“Marami pong farmer ang nahihirapan sa pag-uumpisa, lalo na nang biglang tumaas ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at fuel na napakahalaga sa pagsasaka. Sa tulong at puhunan mula sa LANDBANK, mas mabilis po kaming nakakapagsimula at nakakakilos,” Tolentino said.

LANDBANK said MSME clients also gained access to the SULONG MSME Solution Suite, which combines deposit and digital banking services for payroll, payments, collections, and government contributions. Eligible sole proprietors may also open accounts through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App and receive free life and accident insurance upon availing loans.

Meanwhile, the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program offers farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries loans with a fixed interest rate of 3% annually to support farm production, modernization, and expansion.

The program is complemented by the LANDBANK ASCEND Program, which provides mentoring, training, and financial literacy support for farmers and fishers.

“Sa ilalim ng Agrisenso Plus at ASCEND Program, hindi na kinakailangang may sariling lupang sinasaka ang mga benepisyaryo. Maaari nang makisaka, basta may kontrata ng lease sa may-ari ng lupa. Ang mga proseso po ay lalo pang pinahusay, pinadali, at pinaikli upang mas mabilis na makapag-avail ang mga magsasaka,” Sembrano said.

Farmer leader Rogelio Sotto said the streamlined application process has encouraged more farmers to avail of the program.

“Ang LANDBANK po ang nagsisilbing sandigan ng maraming magsasaka dahil sa mga benepisyong hatid nito, lalo na ang mababang interes. Marami pong magsasaka ang patuloy na nag-aavail ng programa, lalo na ngayon na mas pinadali na ang proseso,” Sotto said.