BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continues to deepen its partnership with Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) to empower Filipino onion farmers through accessible financing and long-term agricultural support.
The collaboration, implemented under JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), combines affordable credit with stable market access to help smallholder farmers boost productivity, increase their income, and build more resilient farming businesses.
By addressing one of agriculture’s biggest challenges—limited access to formal financing—the partnership enables farmers to invest in quality farm inputs, improve production, and strengthen their participation in the country’s food supply chain.
Financing Designed for Farmers
Through BanKo’s Farmer Financing Program, qualified farmers can access loans specifically tailored to the realities of crop production.
Eligible borrowers must be Filipino farmers between 23 and 67 years old upon loan maturity, own a mobile phone, maintain a good credit standing, and belong to a cooperative or farmers’ association that has been supplying the Jollibee Group for at least two consecutive years.
The financing allows farmers to purchase essential inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, farm equipment, and other production requirements while also covering land preparation, cultivation, and harvesting expenses.
Designed around the agricultural calendar, the program offers loan terms that align with crop production cycles, allowing farmers to harvest and sell their produce before loan payments become due. Combined with competitive interest rates and streamlined loan processing, the program ensures farmers receive financial support when they need it most—particularly during planting season.
Helping Farmers Grow Their Businesses
Beyond providing access to capital, the partnership strengthens farmers’ ability to meet the quality standards required by institutional buyers while expanding production and improving yields.
With both financing and reliable market access through the Jollibee Group, farmers gain greater confidence to invest in their operations and build sustainable livelihoods.
“Through this initiative with Jollibee Group Foundation, we continue to strengthen our commitment to supporting Filipino farmers by providing accessible and sustainable financing solutions tailored to their needs,” said Rod Mabiasen Jr., President of BanKo.
To date, the partnership has already benefited more than 200 onion farmers, releasing a total of ₱24.8 million in loans across major agricultural communities in San Jose, Nueva Ecija; Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; and Candon, Ilocos Sur.
“We believe that empowering farmers with timely access to capital not only helps improve productivity and livelihoods but also contributes to building a more resilient agricultural sector and stronger local food security,” Mabiasen added.
“At BanKo, we remain committed to being a trusted partner of farming communities because we believe that when farmers thrive, entire communities prosper. Dahil sa BanKo, may ngiti ang bukas mo.“
Closing the Credit Gap
The initiative directly addresses the long-standing financing challenges faced by many Filipino farmers, particularly those who remain underserved by traditional financial institutions.
Without access to affordable formal credit, many smallholder farmers are often forced to rely on informal lenders that charge significantly higher interest rates, limiting their ability to invest in better farming technologies and quality inputs.
By offering affordable, timely, and farmer-centric financing, BanKo and JGF are helping break this cycle—enabling farmers to improve productivity, increase profitability, and achieve greater financial stability over the long term.
Building a More Inclusive Agricultural Value Chain
For Jollibee Group Foundation, the partnership reinforces its commitment to helping smallholder farmers become successful agripreneurs through a combination of market access, capacity-building, and financial inclusion.
“At Jollibee Group Foundation, we are committed to helping smallholder farmers become more productive and financially sustainable by connecting them to institutional markets and essential support services,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation.
“Working with BanKo strengthens this mission by helping farmers gain access to affordable financing that enables them to invest in their farms and improve their livelihoods. Together, we hope to create more opportunities for Filipino smallholder farmers and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive agricultural value chain.”
Expanding Opportunities for More Farmers
Looking ahead, BanKo and JGF plan to broaden the reach of the Farmer Financing Program by welcoming more farmers from additional provinces and expanding financing support to other high-value crops, including bell peppers.
As the partnership continues to grow, both organizations remain committed to empowering Filipino farmers, strengthening local food security, and building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural sector—one farming community at a time.
