More than 335,000 scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) nationwide will soon enjoy faster, safer, and more convenient access to their scholarship grants and training support funds, through a strengthened partnership with LandBank.
The initiative, which advances the transparent and efficient delivery of public funds, was formalized through the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement by bank president and CEO Lynette Ortiz and Tesda Secretary Francisco Benitez, with bank executive vice president Marilou Villafranca and the agency’s deputy director general Rosanna Urdaneta as witnesses.
“Through this facility, we are strengthening our capability to provide our scholars and beneficiaries with an even more convenient, secure, and efficient way of receiving grants, allowances, and training support funds,” Benitez said in a statement. “This agreement between Tesda and LandBank is a proof that when government agencies work together, we can overcome so many challenges and create lasting, meaningful impact for our beneficiaries.”
Under the agreement, Tesda will institutionalize the use of the bank’s ATM payroll facility to digitally and directly credit scholarship allowances and training support funds to beneficiaries, strengthening accountability while ensuring timely, secure, and nationwide disbursement of public funds.
“Through this partnership, we are modernizing the payout of scholarship grants and training support funds. Tesda scholars will now receive their allowances directly in their own accounts, ensuring fast, transparent, and reliable access to financial assistance,” Ortiz said.
For scholars across the country, the initiative means funds are credited straight to their accounts—reducing delays, minimizing cash-handling risks, and eliminating the need for repeated follow-ups. This also ensures that government support reaches intended beneficiaries efficiently, securely, and transparently.
Tesda will process scholarship payouts through auto-credit via Landbank’s weAccess facility, funded through its designated Payroll Fund or Modified Disbursement System (MDS) Account. The arrangement covers Tesda’s central office and all regional, provincial, and district offices nationwide.
Designed for unbanked and underserved individuals, beneficiaries may open a Landbank Piso account, which requires only a P1 initial deposit, has no maintaining balance, and allows a maximum balance or monthly credit limit of P50,000. Each account comes with a free proprietary ATM card.
Alternatively, eligible beneficiaries aged 18 and above may opt for the Piso Plus account, which requires no initial deposit and includes a virtual visa debit card. Accounts can be opened digitally through the bank’s Mobile Banking App using one valid ID or a Tesda-issued endorsement letter.
Beyond improving payout efficiency, the partnership introduces Tesda scholars to formal banking services, allowing them to securely save, withdraw, transfer funds, and make digital payments as they pursue technical and vocational education. ||
