LANDBANK reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient food system across the country by showcasing its integrated financing programs, capacity-building initiatives, and digital solutions through its support of the inaugural Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025, held from Nov. 19 to 23, 2025 in Bacolod City.

Terra Madre Asia & Pacific, part of the global Slow Food Movement, brought together over 2,000 farmers, fishers, international chefs, indigenous leaders, and advocates from across the region to promote “good, clean, and fair” food, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems.

“LANDBANK and Slow Food aligns with sustainable and inclusive agriculture. Through this partnership, we aim to further strengthen local food systems, empower our farmers and fishers, and help ensure that every Filipino has access to nutritious, clean, and fairly produced food,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.

The Slow Food movement, founded in Italy in 1989, is dedicated to protecting local food cultures, traditional farming practices, and biodiversity. It champions food that is good in quality and taste, clean in its respect for the environment, and fair in terms of pricing and conditions for producers. Today, Slow Food is a global network present in more than 160 countries, working with diverse communities to promote sustainable, community-centered food systems.

“Good, clean, and fair food for all is a universal right. To achieve this, we must protect our biodiversity and environment, as this principle is inseparable from supporting our farmers and ensuring everyone has access to proper, quality food,” said Reena Gamboa, Terra Madre Executive Director.

Building on these principles, LANDBANK’s agricultural programs aim to strengthen connections across the value chain. The Bank’s financial and digital services complement community-led efforts by providing stakeholders—from producers to processors to markets—with the tools and support that they need to thrive.

LANDBANK’s participation as a key sponsor of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 further reflects its support for Slow Food initiatives, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient, community-driven value chains.

Integrated support for farmers and fishers

On Nov. 20, LANDBANK First Vice President Allan R. Bisnar introduced AGRISENSO Plus, the Bank’s flagship lending program which delivers comprehensive value-chain support by integrating credit, technical assistance, and digital solutions, along with free life and credit life insurance. The program is designed to empower small farmers and fishers, offering customized financing, market linkages, and data-driven insights to boost productivity and efficiency.

AGRISENSO Plus features a reduced fixed interest rate of 3% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), with competitive rates for associations, cooperatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates.

“AGRISENSO Plus reflects our commitment to strengthening the entire agricultural value chain. By combining accessible financing, capacity-building, and digital solutions, we are enabling our farmers and food producers to thrive in a rapidly changing environment and ensuring that local food systems remain resilient and sustainable,” LANDBANK PCEO Ortiz emphasized.

Complementing the Program is the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development), a capacity-building initiative that provides training in digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development.

As of September 2025, LANDBANK has released over P1.96 billion in loans under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, supporting more than 12,300 borrowers nationwide, most of whom are small farmers and fishers, following successful rollouts in key agricultural hubs across Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Bukidnon, Iloilo, Palawan, and Negros Occidental.

Driving inclusion and digital adoption

LANDBANK also showcased its digital innovations, particularly the P2M (Person-to-Merchant) QR payment facility recently launched in Negros Occidental. This interoperable solution allows consumers to enjoy waived transfer fees for purchases of ₱500 and below using QRPh-P2M via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, other banking apps, or digital wallets.

LANDBANK P2M merchants, on the other hand, benefit from waived transaction fees, which encourages the adoption of digital payments. This provides farmers, MSMEs, and local enterprises with a faster, more secure, and more convenient way to receive payments—reducing cash-handling risks and expanding digital inclusion in agricultural communities. Business owners can simply enroll their existing LANDBANK accounts, with activation completed within 24 to 48 hours.

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From January 2026, Nord Anglia International School Manila will introduce the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), making it the first international school in the Philippines to implement the programme for primary students.

Created by leading educators in the UK, the IPC at NAIS Manila will build on the foundations of the English National Curriculum for core subjects while strengthening students’ inquiry and conceptual understanding.

“We’re incredibly proud that Nord Anglia International School Manila is the only school in the Philippines to offer such a globally respected framework as the International Primary Curriculum,” said Mrs. Alison Fox, Principal of Nord Anglia International School Manila. “This reflects our commitment to leading education innovation.”

Having been benchmarked against 20 international education systems, its learning goals are equivalent to, and often more challenging than national standards. Today, more than 1,000 international schools worldwide use the IPC to deliver a future-ready education.

What sets the IPC apart is its international focus. It encourages curiosity, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world. Students explore global themes, ask big questions, and learn to appreciate both differences and common ground.

“The IPC nurtures creativity and a genuine love of learning. It empowers our students to think critically, act compassionately, and approach the world with curiosity and confidence,” Mrs. Fox added. “It’s more than a curriculum; it’s a foundation for shaping adaptable, future-ready global citizens.”

By introducing the IPC, Nord Anglia International School Manila is preparing students for a global future. The programme goes beyond academic excellence, equipping learners with the skills, mindset, and perspective to navigate an interconnected world. Students develop adaptability, curiosity, and cultural awareness, allowing them to engage meaningfully with diverse communities. They learn to think critically, collaborate effectively, and approach challenges with empathy and creativity, ensuring they are ready not only for future careers but for life as responsible, globally minded citizens.

The IPC is also implemented in other Nord Anglia schools around the world, reinforcing a shared commitment to global education and consistent learning outcomes across the group.

About Nord Anglia Education:

As a leading international schools organisation, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 89 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, teaching over 100,000 students from ages 3 to 18.

To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, go to https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/nais-manila.

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The Puregold Hakot Relay Run recently became the event du jour among both seasoned and amateur runners when it sparked the adrenaline rush of a competitive race combined with the exciting giveaways of the classic “hakot” experience.

Held at Burnham Green Park on Nov. 22, the Puregold Hakot Relay Run had attendees gushing over the exhilarating experience of grabbing grocery items while competing in the three-kilometer run.

For one, avid runner Sheila Obregon, who joined the event with her husband and 10-year-old child, has been singing the event’s praises online since she completed the three-kilometer run. “Sa lahat ng run, ito ang pinaka-MASAYA!” she wrote on Facebook. “Ganito pala ang feeling ng STRESS-FREE GROCERY.”

In a photo she shared with the UP Running Community, Sheila displayed an array of groceries that included bottled water, soft drinks, biscuits, potato chips, detergent, bath soap, and more. “Muntik na kami walang matulugan,” she jestingly declared. Meantime, in the comments to her post, other runners shared photos of their own grocery hauls from the event. Even more comments, however, expressed eagerness for the chance to participate in future runs.

“Memorable talaga… yung adrenaline na makahakot at sana ‘wag maubusan,” said Sheila. “Andami namin nahakot na freebies at groceries… kaya laking tipid sa budget ngayong taon. Sabi nga ng anak ko, ‘Mi, hanggang new year na stocks natin!’”

Puregold Hakot Relay Run participants competed in teams of three that tagged each other at predetermined points in the race, triggering the “hakot” segment wherein runners could seize grocery items to fill up their sling bags with before tagging their next teammate. To participate, attendees only had to meet a minimum purchase requirement at select Puregold branches, then pay a P500 registration fee.

The prospect of joining a challenging three-kilometer run plus the chance to snatch free groceries drew up to 8,000 quick-footed participants at Burnham Green Park, turning the Puregold Hakot Relay Run into a can’t-miss activity for both individuals and families who had frenzied fun with friends and family.

On his Facebook page, seasoned runner Mac Crisostomo laid out the unforgettable experience he had at the event as he listed the freebies that were up for grabs. “In terms of loots, medal, singlet, and program…hands down, Puregold wins,” he wrote. “Puregold just changed the game in grocery-run events — and raised the bar for years ahead.”

Participant Jericha Llaneta affirmed the same sentiments in a Facebook post that displayed her bountiful haul. “Pinakamasayang fun run/relay run na nasalihan ng family ko,” she wrote. “May pa 25kg na bigas pa… ang swerte!”

With her 25-kg sack of rice and other grocery items she received at the event, Jericha believes that her family brought home two months’ worth of household supplies. “It’s a big help to us po talaga!”

Like Sheila, Lheo Dominguez was another Puregold Hakot Relay Run attendee that competed with his family, though the Dominguez clan came out in full force. “Three teams kame, tatlo kaming magkakapatid kaya bawat family kasali,” Leo said. “In addition, kasama din ang baby naming eight-month-old, karga ni wife.”

In Leo’s own Facebook post, eight-month-old Marielle is shown — front and center — surrounded by her family’s grocery haul: assorted canned goods, toiletries, and snacks.

Apart from providing a backdrop for Marielle’s adorable photo on Facebook, Lheo’s “loot” from the Puregold Hakot Relay Run is actually a timely aid for a family in difficult economic times. “Sobrang importante [ang nakuha namin] due to inflation nowadays. Sa ngayon yung worth 500 mo na mga ilan pirasong groceries lang, di pa puno ung basket. Pero dito sa Puregold Hakot Relay, yung 500 mo halos tatlong pushcart na.”

The prizes so overflowed that some runners were spurred to be generous themselves. Netizen Otp Mar Man chose not to keep much of the haul he picked up. “Most, if not all, of my hakot items, I sent to the province sa biyenan ko,” he said. “Kasi nakita nila mga post ko and I promised that I will give all the prizes na makukuha ko. Bicol-bound na ang mga hakot ko.”

On top of the groceries and the heart-pumping exercise of the Puregold Hakot Relay Run, participants also got to enjoy a memorable concert experience at no additional cost. PPop icons KAIA, G22, Press Hit Play, and the duo of Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca sang their hearts out for all the attendees, adding an additional rush of excitement to the proceedings.

“Malakas at malinaw ang sounds kaya feel na feel,” said Sheila. “Mika and Brent talaga ang inabangan ko!”

Puregold Price Club, Inc. President Vincent Co, who sprinted alongside his loyal customers and members at the event, spoke on the overwhelmingly positive feedback. “It’s humbling to see how much our local running clubs and communities came out in force to support our first running initiative. Our Puregold employees really strived to put together an exciting, competitive day where everyone could share the panalo spirit.”

The gratitude went both ways as the participants also expressed their thanks for the grand event. “Gusto po namin magpasalamat sa lahat ng bumuo ng idea at effort para mag-organize ng run na to,” said Sheila. “Hindi pa kami tumatakbo may pa-grocery na. Sana po hanggang sa mga susunod na Hakot Relay Run, ganito pa rin kasaya.”

“Thank you sa mga nag-uumapaw na mga freebies, pati mga pasabog. Sana mas lalong marame pa sa mga susunod na Puregold Hakot Relay Run,” said Lheo.

For the multitudes in attendance, the only question that matters now is, When’s the next one?

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter and @puregoldph on TikTok.

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