AMID THE Middle East tension-induced energy crisis, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) stepped up its response by deploying a coordinated package of fuel subsidies, commuter fare cashback and concessional lending programs.
According to LandBank president and chief-executive-officer Lynette Ortiz, the state-run bank is supporting the Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Transportation (DoTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in digitally processing the government’s Fuel Subsidy Program, which began on April 14 and will continue until July 2026.
Taking cue from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport or UPLIFT Program, Ortiz cited the need to secure and develop a digital system from where qualified public utility jeepney and UV Express drivers and operators can automatically avail of the P10-per-liter diesel discount at participating gasoline stations in Metro Manila.
“The subsidy covers up to 150 liters or P1,500 per unit per week. Amid rising fuel costs, we remain committed to delivering responsive and inclusive financial solutions that directly benefit transport operators, commuters, and food producers,” she averred.
“Through close coordination with government partners, we ensure that assistance reaches those who need it, when they need it most.”
In addition, Ortiz also announced that in order to ease daily commuting costs, they have reintroduced the MRT-3 Balik-Pasahe promo, which started last April 15 and will run until July 31, 2026 and offers 100-percent fare cashback to MRT-3 passengers using LandBank contactless Visa Debit, Mastercard Prepaid or Mastercard Credit cards at select turnstiles.
She likewise noted that beyond immediate relief, LandBank is extending longer-term support through its Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Efforts for a Sustainable Recovery Plus Lending Program, which provides financing for transport groups, micro, small and medium enterprises and other sectors affected by the energy crisis to cover working capital, operating expenses and recovery needs.
In ending, the LandBank chief executive also disclosed that during these trying times, the agriculture sector is accorded support through the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which offers loans at three percent per annum to help farmers and fishers manage rising input costs including fuel and electricity.
“The program is complemented by the Agri-Fishery Support thru Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development Program, which brings together public and private partners to deliver capacity building, technical training, market linkage and enterprise development services,” she quipped.