CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority and the Land Bank of the Philippines joined forces on Oct. 26, 2026, to help local farmers get easier access to bank loans and reliable buyers.
Formalized during the Mindanao Development Forum 2026, the agreement connects small growers, agricultural cooperatives, and local food processors directly with financial tools and trading networks.
Credit Access
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno stressed that linking farm production with funding and reliable market outlets is essential to boosting rural incomes.
"Our farmers need dependable markets, accessible financing, modern technologies, adequate post-harvest facilities, and stronger links with processors, exporters, and institutional buyers," Magno said.
"Through our TEAM Project, we work with government agencies, financial institutions, and industry partners to align development interventions, financing, and infrastructure support with the needs and opportunities of priority agricultural value chains," Magno added.
Fast Track
LANDBANK National Development Lending Sector Executive Vice President Charlotte I. Conde confirmed that the bank will fast-track loan applications coming through MinDA's program.
"Our commitment here, with the MOA signing, is that we will provide a green lane to all applicants. I have instructed the head of our Mindanao operations to give priority to applications endorsed by MinDA. As we know, LANDBANK is also fully compliant with turnaround time requirements, so we will strictly observe our commitments in processing applications," Conde said.
Financing will flow through LANDBANK's AGRISENSO Plus and LIFTING MSMEs loan programs, using contract growing and accounts receivable options so farmers can borrow against expected harvests and buyer contracts.
Farm Growth
Under the plan, MinDA staff will help farmers pre-screen loan requests and provide technical coaching on managing farm businesses.
LANDBANK First Vice President Eden Japitana and MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz witnessed the signing.
Beyond loan applications, the two organizations will conduct hands-on workshops on money management, digital tools, and basic business bookkeeping to help rural enterprises grow.
