The Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) kicked off the first regional rollout of its “LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program” outside Metro Manila, in Negros Occidental on Friday, Feb. 15.
Landbank First Vice President Eden Japitana, who was at the kickoff at the Padayon MSME Fair at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City, said the program will make loans more accessible for working capital, purchase of equipment, and business development.
The loans for small businesses will have interest rates of 8–10 percent per annum, which is the lowest in the market, Japitana said.
Start-ups or those who are just starting their business can borrow up to P500,000, and those who have already leveled up can borrow P500,000 to P5 million, he added.
MSMEs can apply for loans online, Japitana said.
Around 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises in Negros Occidental gained direct access to Landbank financing and business support during the Padayon MSME Fair.
Participating entrepreneurs gained direct access to financing, digital banking solutions, and on-the-spot consultations with Landbank officers, enabling them to begin loan applications and open business accounts within the same venue.
The initiative brought banking services closer to MSMEs, reduced barriers to financial access, and accelerated business onboarding, Japitana said.
Launched nationwide in December 2025, the lending program expands access to credit for working capital, equipment acquisition, and business expansion, helping strengthen MSME productivity and competitiveness across the country, .
Complementing the lending program, Landbank introduced the SULONG MSME Solution Suite during the fair — a bundled set of deposit and digital banking services designed to support enterprises beyond credit access and help formalize their operations.
“MSMEs are more than participants in our economy — they are the backbone of our communities and a powerful driver of transformative growth,” said Land Bank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz in a press statement.
“When MSMEs grow, growth becomes inclusive. When MSMEs succeed, more Filipino families move forward,” she said.*
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