The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) lauded Landbank for its unwavering commitment to agricultural development and rural progress during the opening of the 2025 Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF) in Quezon City recently.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III highlighted the bank’s pivotal role in uplifting small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through accessible and responsive financing programs nationwide.
Landbank’s agriculture, fisheries and rural development (AFRD) loan portfolio reached P829.15 billion, as of Oct. 2025, accounting for 58.93 percent of its total loan portfolio, and reflecting focused support for infrastructure development, value chain strengthening, sustainable agribusiness, and farmer- and fisher-centered initiatives nationwide.
The ATF forms part of DAR’s key support services to strengthen market access and enterprise opportunities for ARBs and agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). This year’s fair features over 80 ARBs and ARBOs from across the country, showcasing more than 300 products, including fresh produce, processed foods, traditional delicacies, natural fibers, handicrafts, and artisanal items rooted in local culture.
During the event, DAR and Landbank formally launched the Enhanced Assistance to Restore and Install Sustainable Enterprises (Enhanced ARISE) Lending Program, which provides expanded credit support for ARBs and ARBOs, particularly those whose livelihoods have been affected by natural calamities, human-made disasters, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks.
The program is designed to help the agriculture sector recover and build resilience. It offers a simplified application process, fewer requirements, and higher loan ceilings for production, enterprise, and livelihood needs.
Beneficiaries can access financing for recovery and rehabilitation, with interest rates of two to three percent per annum for agri-production and enterprise loans, and zero interest for provident loans intended for house or office repairs.
“Through the Enhanced ARISE Program, we reaffirm our collaboration with DAR and offer expanded financing support,” Landbank president and CEO Lynette Ortiz said in a statement. “As your steady partner, we look forward to continuing to drive change together para sa mas masagana at mas ligtas na buhay para sa bawat magsasaka.”
Complementing Enhanced ARISE is Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which provides broader and more affordable financing for small farmers, fishers, ARBs, cooperatives, and other key players across the agricultural value chain.
This program supports a wide range of needs, including crop production, livestock and fisheries, acquisition of farm machinery and equipment, construction or rehabilitation of facilities, and long-term working capital for agribusiness operations.
Agrisenso Plus also extends free life and credit life insurance to eligible borrowers through the LBP Insurance Brokerage Inc., while participating farmers and ARBOs may access capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance financial management, enterprise development, and sustainable farming practices. These interventions equip borrowers with the skills and resilience needed to sustain and grow their operations.
As of October 2025, Landbank has released a total of P2.18 billion in loans under the Agrisenso Plus, supporting over 12,000 borrowers nationwide, with continued rollout in different regions of the Philippines. ||
