Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat.

I am very honored to be here today as we recognize LANDBANK’s exceptional clients and celebrate their growth stories that were made possible through longstanding trust and partnership with the Bank.

But before I begin, allow me first to extend a well-deserved recognition and appreciation to the men and women of LANDBANK.

In April of this year, LANDBANK set a historic record by remitting 32.12 billion pesos in cash dividends to the national treasury—the highest ever among GOCCs and in the Bank’s history.

Ibig sabihin nito, hindi lang po kayo—ang mga kliyente nila—ang tinutulungan ng LANDBANK, kundi ang buong bansa.

Dahil ang dividends na ito ay makakatulong sa patuloy na paglago ng ating ekonomiya, pagbibigay ng trabaho, at pag-angat sa buhay ng mga Pilipino.

Kaya’t bigyan po natin ng isang masigabong palakpakan ang LANDBANK team, ably led by President and CEO Lynette Ortiz. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa ating bayan.

Indeed, LANDBANK is a true and reliable partner for growth of each and every Filipino.

At isa nga pong patunay rito ang labing-apat na MERIT Awardees na ating kinilala ngayong hapon, who are among the very pillars of LANDBANK’s strength.

Nariyan po ang ating mga kooperatiba: Alicia Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, Ating Ani Nueva Ecija Multi-Purpose Cooperative, at Ligas Kooperatiba ng Bayan sa Pagpapaunlad.

These outstanding cooperatives are among the country’s main poverty-fighting forces.

They have been supporting the future of our farmers, fisherfolks, and local communities so they can start their own business, sustain livelihoods, and boost their capacity to ensure the nation’s food security and prosperity.

And of course, the crucial roles played by our financial institutions cannot be overstated. It is because of: ProFarmers Rural Banking Corporation, Producers Savings Bank Corporation, and ASA Philippines Foundation that we are able to bring in much-needed financial support to our microentrepreneurs even in the remotest and most underserved areas of the country. Mula Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao.

I am also very pleased to honor Fralyn B. Cruz and Sandig Medical Clinic and Hospital, who represent our country’s vibrant MSME sector.

They have been among the heroes of our economy, ensuring sufficient food supply in Luzon and widening access to reliable healthcare for our people in Sultan Kudarat.

Kailangan ko rin pong pasalamatan ang ating large corporations: ang Asialink Finance Corporation, DoubleDragon Corporation, at Soliman E.C. Septic Tank Disposal.

They are the powerhouses driving the country forward by building high-quality infrastructure and sustainable waste management as well as creating a generation of empowered and financially-independent Filipinos.

Most importantly, I pay tribute to our farmers, who are the very backbone of our nation.

Isang karangalan po na makilala ang ating mga ulirang magsasaka na sina: Mr. Deodany L. Cara at Mr. Roderick G. Capalongan.

They are visionaries who see challenges as opportunities, paving the way for a new generation of Filipino farmers who embrace innovation, sustainability, and financial responsibility.

We must always remember that in every grain of rice, every vegetable, and every fruit, there is a story of Mr. Cara, Mr. Capalongan, and thousands of Filipino farmers whose hard work and sacrifice secure the future of every Filipino.

Kayo po ang tunay na susi sa ating tagumpay laban sa kahirapan, pagtitiyak ng seguridad sa pagkain ng bawat Pilipino, at pagpapatibay ng sustainable food system sa bansa.

Muli, palakpakan po natin ang labing-apat na MERIT awardees for their perseverance and confidence in LANDBANK. Saludo po ako sa inyong lahat.

I was told that every year, many entries go through a tedious consultative process to be selected for the MERIT Awards.

And also every year, the entries of awardees and their stories set the bar higher for our cooperatives, MSMEs, and countryside financial institutions. This underscores the vision of broad-based and inclusive social development LANDBANK is committed to serve.

The success stories of our awardees every year mirror the potential of our nation. It illustrates how far we can progress when we commit to being each other’s steadfast partners in development.

That is precisely why LANDBANK made sure that it is present in all provinces in the country so it can be closer and be of service to all Filipinos.

That is why LANDBANK is accelerating the digitalization of its services so it can reach as many unbanked and underprivileged Filipinos.

That is why LANDBANK is expanding its lending support to a wide variety of sectors, beyond agriculture and rural development, so that it can deliver the biggest benefits to every Filipino.

Because the more people LANDBANK reaches, the more support it extends, and the more unbanked individuals it onboards in the financial system—the more Filipino lives are being secured and transformed.

And each Filipino’s success and progress contributes to the nation’s growth and prosperity. Ang pag-asenso ng bawat Juan de la Cruz, maliit man o malaki, ay tiyak na pag-asenso rin ng Pilipinas.

So, to all of our awardees today, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for inspiring the nation to move forward with vigor. Ang mga katulad niyo po ang nagsisilbing ehemplo ng mga susunod na henerasyon ng Bagong Pilipino sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Your work and contributions send a powerful message—that we can put an end to poverty not by looking out only for ourselves, but by working hand in hand together.

Once again, congratulations, maraming salamat po, at mabuhay kayong lahat. Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas.