AGUSAN DEL NORTE — More than 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Agusan del Norte explored new financing and digital banking opportunities during the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program Orientation organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Agusan del Norte (DTI-ADN) in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). Held on September 11, 2026, at the DTI Caraga Conference Room along J.C. Aquino Avenue in Butuan City, the activity provided local entrepreneurs with information on accessible financing options and financial services designed to support business growth. The orientation also strengthened the continuing collaboration between DTI and LANDBANK in expanding support for the province’s MSME sector.
Financing Options Designed for Different Business Stages
Leading the LANDBANK discussion was DM Jonathan G. Orozco of the Caraga North Lending Center, together with Mr. Jonie Sacote, Account Officer of the Lending Center, who presented the key features and financing packages under the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program. The program, or LandBank’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth through MSMEs, provides three financing levels based on the stage and needs of a business. The Start-up package offers between PHP 100,000 and PHP 500,000 for newly established enterprises, while the Step-up package provides PHP 500,000 to PHP 5 million for growing businesses. Enterprises looking to undertake larger expansion projects may access the Level-up package, which offers financing of up to PHP 50 million. Funds may be used for business expansion, working capital, digitization, franchising, sustainable projects, and trade and export activities. The program also includes features such as a grace period of up to six months, renewal and top-up options, simplified documentation for qualified micro enterprises, and flexible collateral arrangements, giving entrepreneurs financing options that can adjust to their business requirements.
Digital Banking Complements Business Financing
Beyond lending opportunities, the orientation introduced participants to digital tools that can make financial management more convenient. Ms. Anna Ly D. Babael, Branch Marketing Officer, presented the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App and discussed its digital banking services. The platform provides MSMEs with additional options for managing transactions and accessing banking services more conveniently as they operate and expand their businesses.
DTI-LANDBANK Partnership Supports Local Entrepreneurs
During the activity, DTI Caraga Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo, CESO III, delivered the Welcome Remarks and emphasized the importance of partnerships in making business support more accessible to MSMEs. PD Lorijane D. Sacote, CESO V, DTI Agusan del Norte, also discussed the rationale and key provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DTI and LANDBANK, highlighting its goal of improving MSMEs’ access to formal credit while complementing financing with capability-building, digitalization, and market opportunities. The program concluded with a message from DTI Caraga Assistant Regional Director Brenda B. Corvera, reinforcing the agencies’ shared commitment to helping entrepreneurs access financing, digital services, and other forms of business assistance. The participation of more than 50 MSMEs reflects the growing interest among local entrepreneurs in financing and digital banking solutions that can strengthen operations, support expansion, and contribute to the continued growth of the local economy.
