Landbank urges agri players to avail of financing as it joins Davao trade fair

STATE-OWNED Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) will lure agriculture sector players, particularly micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), to avail of financing during the Davao Agri Trade Expo 2017 slated on Sept. 21 to 23 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Landbank manager Jose B. dela Cruz said their loan program is open to cooperatives, industry associations, private companies, and sole proprietorships. The amount, he added, will depend on the project proposal that will be subject to evaluation. “There are different types of borrowers and we can cater to all of them,” Mr. Dela Cruz said in an interview. Organizers said other banks are also expected to participate in the event, including China Savings Bank, Banco de Oro, Development Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank, and several cooperative banks. This year’s trade fair — focusing on the livestock, poultry, dairy, and aquaculture industries — will have an agri-financing forum as well as technical seminars, business matching and networking sessions. — Maya M. Padillo