By Kenneth Marcos 
Shoppers, farmers, and cooperatives filled the halls of Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City as the 2025 Agraryo Trade Fair opened its doors on December 1. Behind the colorful displays of local produce and farm products was a strong message: small farmers and fishers need steady support to grow, recover, and compete in today’s market.
During the opening ceremony, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) praised the Land Bank of the Philippines for its strong commitment to agricultural development and rural progress. DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III highlighted LANDBANK’s role as a reliable partner of farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries across the country.
Estrella said access to affordable and responsive financing remains one of the biggest challenges in the countryside. He noted that many small farmers struggle to expand production, recover from disasters, or start value-adding enterprises because of limited capital. According to him, LANDBANK has consistently addressed this gap by offering financial programs designed for those who need them most.
The recognition came as LANDBANK formally launched its Enhanced Assistance to Restore and Install Sustainable Enterprises, or Enhanced ARISE, Lending Program. The program was introduced during the trade fair by LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos.
The Enhanced ARISE program aims to help farmers, fishers, and rural enterprises rebuild and grow their livelihoods. It is designed to support those affected by natural disasters, market disruptions, and rising production costs. The program offers accessible loan terms to help beneficiaries restart operations, invest in better equipment, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
LANDBANK officials said the program builds on the bank’s long-standing mandate to serve the agriculture sector. As the country’s largest government-owned bank, LANDBANK channels a significant portion of its loan portfolio to agriculture, fisheries, and agrarian reform communities. This includes financing for farm inputs, machinery, post-harvest facilities, and small rural businesses.
For agrarian reform beneficiaries, access to credit can mean the difference between subsistence and stability. Many depend on seasonal income and are vulnerable to weather changes and price fluctuations. Programs like Enhanced ARISE aim to provide timely financial support so farmers can recover faster and avoid falling deeper into debt.
The Agraryo Trade Fair, organized by DAR, serves as a platform to showcase products made by agrarian reform communities. These include rice, coffee, cacao, processed food, and handicrafts. The event also connects producers directly with consumers, helping farmers earn more by cutting out middlemen.
DAR officials stressed that trade fairs alone are not enough. Sustained progress in the countryside requires strong partnerships between government agencies, banks, and the private sector. They said LANDBANK’s presence and continued investment send a positive signal to rural communities that support will continue beyond one-time events.
As the country pushes for food security and inclusive growth, officials said empowering farmers and fishers remains a national priority. Access to credit, markets, and technology will be key to improving productivity and raising incomes in rural areas.
The recognition of LANDBANK at the Agraryo Trade Fair reflects a broader effort to strengthen agriculture and ensure that growth reaches the grassroots, where it matters most.
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