The Land Bank of the Philippines has made it easier for farmers and fisherfolk to access credit by integrating online applications into its AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program. The move aims to bring agricultural financing within reach of more rural communities through faster, more convenient, and more transparent digital processing.
Launched on October 30 at the Cadiz City Arena in Negros Occidental, the program rollout was led by LandBank President and CEO Lynette Ortiz and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and attended by over 1,700 farmers from Cadiz and nearby towns.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, Department of Agrarian Reform, National Irrigation Administration, and private sector stakeholders, AGRISENSO Plus provides value chain-based financing designed to strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem. It simplifies loan requirements, includes free life and credit life insurance, and offers access to technical and market support—helping farmers not only secure funds but also improve productivity and profitability.
Under the enhanced scheme, small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries can avail of a reduced fixed interest rate of 3 percent per annum, down from 4 percent. Competitive rates are also available for cooperatives, agribusinesses, MSMEs, large enterprises, and agriculture graduates venturing into farm enterprises.
As of August 2025, LandBank has disbursed P1.78 billion in loans under AGRISENSO Plus, reaching more than 12,000 beneficiaries nationwide. The Cadiz City event follows successful program launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Bukidnon, Iloilo, and Palawan.
Ortiz said the program was designed to help farmers overcome recurring challenges such as volatile market prices, climate risks, and disaster recovery—particularly in areas recently affected by events like the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.
“LandBank has seen how our farmers continue to face so many challenges—from natural calamities to unstable farmgate prices and market access. AGRISENSO Plus provides holistic and practical solutions to these realities, ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolk can thrive despite adversity,” she said.
