Since launching their partnership under JGF's Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), the organizations have released an aggregate P24.8 million in loans benefiting more than 200 onion farmers in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, and Candon, Ilocos Sur.
The collaboration combines affordable financing with access to institutional markets, enabling farmers to invest in farm inputs while securing a stable market for their produce through the Jollibee Group.
Bridging credit
Through BanKo's Farmer Financing Program, qualified farmers can access loans designed around the realities of smallholder agriculture.
Eligible borrowers must be Filipino farmers aged 23 to 67 upon loan maturity, own a mobile phone, have no adverse credit bureau record, and belong to a cooperative or association that has supplied the Jollibee Group for at least two consecutive years.
The financing allows farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, farm equipment, and other essential inputs, while also covering land preparation and harvesting expenses.
By aligning loan terms with the crop production cycle, farmers are given enough time to harvest and sell their produce before loan repayment, helping improve cash flow and support more sustainable farm operations.
BanKo also said it has streamlined loan processing to ensure funds are released in time for planting.
"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," BanKo president Rod Mabiasen Jr. said.
Improving livelihoods
The partnership seeks to address the financing gap that continues to limit the growth of many smallholder farmers, particularly those who remain unbanked or underserved by traditional financial institutions.
Limited access to affordable credit often prevents farmers from investing in quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming technologies, leaving many dependent on informal lenders that charge high interest rates.
"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 said.
JGF president Gisela Tiongson said the collaboration strengthens the foundation's efforts to make smallholder farmers more productive and financially sustainable.
"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," she said.
Expansion plans
Building on the program's initial success, BanKo and JGF plan to expand the initiative by onboarding more farmers in additional provinces while extending financing to other high-value crops, including bell peppers.
The two organizations said the expanded partnership reflects their shared commitment to improving farmers' incomes, strengthening local food security, and building a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector through greater access to financing and reliable markets. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
