TACLOBAN CITY – Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Eastern Visayas can access up to PHP50 million in financing from the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) to support business expansion, equipment acquisition and working capital requirements.
Landbank first vice president for SME-mid market lending group May Arizadal said the bank’s Lifting MSMEs Lending Program offers loan packages based on the size and stage of a business.
Speaking during the Padayon Eastern Visayas MSME Fair at Summit Hotel Tacloban on Thursday,Sept.17, Arizadal said micro-entrepreneurs may borrow up to P500,000 without collateral.
“For the micro-entrepreneurs, they can borrow up to P500,000 with no collateral,” she said.
More established businesses may access up to P5 million under the Step-Up loan, while enterprises seeking to expand their operations may qualify for up to P50 million through the Level-Up package.
The Lifting MSMEs Lending Program, launched in December 2025, provides financing for working capital, purchase of equipment and business expansion.
Arizadal said Landbank also accepts loan applications from businesses that have been operating for at least six months.
“We want to support local businesses even those that just started for at least six months in operation,” she said.
Entrepreneurs may apply online through the Landbank website, allowing them to check documentary requirements, submit supporting documents and monitor their applications without personally visiting a branch.
Landbank first vice president for agricultural and sustainable development Eden Japitana said the bank has released about P2.4 billion out of P2.7 billion in approved loans under the program, benefiting around 700 entrepreneurs since its launch.
Japitana said financing support could help MSMEs expand their operations and generate employment in local communities.
“Kung mag-improve ang negosyo nila, makakapag-employ tayo, lalago ang negosyo, lalago ang bayan,” she said.
Landbank also introduced its Sulong MSME Solution Suite, which provides deposit and digital banking services designed to help businesses manage payments, payroll, collections and government contributions.
Sole proprietors may also open accounts through the Landbank Mobile Banking App.
The Padayon Eastern Visayas MSME Fair drew about 250 entrepreneurs and showcased businesses involved in agribusiness, fisheries, abaca, food processing and other sectors.
The Tacloban event was the eighth leg of Landbank’s MSME Fair caravan, which promotes financing and other support services available to small businesses.
Landbank said the initiative supports government efforts to improve access to financing and other assistance for MSMEs under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program.
MSMEs account for about 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines, according to government data.
Landbank said improved access to financing can help viable enterprises sustain operations, acquire equipment and increase their production and business capacity as they grow.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
