SUMMER CLASS 2026 SCHEDULE (Undergraduate)
June 4, 2026
Graduates of agriculture- and fisheries-related courses are now among those who may access financing support through the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), which was launched at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) on June 4 at the University Auditorium in Kabacan, Cotabato.
The program, launched by LANDBANK in collaboration with USM, aims to provide affordable and accessible financing to stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including small farmers and fisherfolk, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large agribusiness firms, and agriculture-related graduates.
During the launch, LANDBANK First Vice President for the Agriculture and Sustainable Development Group Eden B. Japitana highlighted the importance of encouraging more young people to pursue opportunities in agriculture.
“There is money in agriculture,” Japitana said, noting the declining number of youth entering the sector. He explained that including fresh graduates and graduating students of agriculture- and fisheries-related programs among the program’s beneficiaries could help encourage greater participation in the industry.
Meanwhile, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel welcomed the initiative and underscored the value of partnerships that create opportunities for agricultural communities.
“We commend the Land Bank of the Philippines for its unwavering dedication to promoting inclusive growth and financial empowerment,” Pres. Pimentel said.
He added that collaborative efforts between institutions can help strengthen agricultural enterprises and provide communities with greater access to resources and opportunities.
Aside from introducing the lending program, the activity also featured a financial education session and discussions on LANDBANK’s digital banking services. Participants learned about the features and benefits of the LANDBANK eAccount and the process of opening an AGRISENSO account through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App.
Also, LANDBANK Executive Vice President Charlotte I. Conde said the AGRISENSO Plus program was developed to help address the challenges faced by farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
“On the part of LANDBANK, nangita pud mi ug paagi kung unsa ang among matabang, mao ning gi-launch namo ang AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program,” Conde said.
She shared that AGRISENSO Plus has already been launched in 14 areas across the country, with Cotabato becoming the second launch site in Mindanao. She also noted that the program offers an interest rate of three percent per annum to make financing more accessible to qualified borrowers.
Under the program, borrowers may access financing for agricultural production, farm equipment, working capital, and other agricultural investments. Qualified beneficiaries may also receive free life insurance, credit line insurance, and training and capacity-building support.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
officials from both the university and local government attended the launch, including USM Private Sector Representative Regent Jerry John M. Taray, Cotabato Province Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Vice Governor Ella Taray, representatives from partner agencies, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, and other stakeholders from the agriculture sector.
By bringing the program to USM, the university served as a venue for connecting agricultural communities, industry partners, and future agriculture professionals with financing opportunities that can support agricultural enterprises and rural development.
