Smallholder farmers under the Jollibee Group Foundation’s (JGF) Farmer Entrepreneurship Program now enjoy better access to credit and stable markets through expanded collaboration with BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo)—the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). This partnership delivers accessible, sustainable financing tailored to the needs of onion growers, helping raise productivity, increase income, and secure long‑term growth for local farming communities.
Targeted Financing for Onion Farmers
BanKo’s Farmer Financing Program sets clear, practical eligibility criteria: applicants must be Filipino farmers aged 23 to 67 at loan maturity, own a mobile phone, and have no negative credit history. They must also belong to a cooperative or association that has supplied the Jollibee Group for at least two consecutive years.
Funds may be used to purchase quality seeds, fertilizers, tools, and other inputs, as well as cover land preparation, labor, and harvesting costs. By combining timely capital with guaranteed market access—including supply contracts with the Jollibee Group—the program helps farmers meet strict quality standards, expand production, and improve harvest yields.
“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.
Proven Impact Across Key Regions
Since launch, the partnership has reached over 200 farmers, with total loan releases amounting to Php 24.8 million. Beneficiaries are based in major onion‑producing areas:
- San Jose, Nueva Ecija
- Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
- Candon, Ilocos Sur
Designed around the onion crop cycle, the program offers competitive interest rates, simplified requirements, and repayment schedules aligned with harvest and sales. Fast processing ensures funds arrive right when planting begins—easing cash flow and reducing reliance on informal lenders who charge high rates.
“Empowering farmers with timely capital boosts productivity and livelihoods, while building a more resilient agricultural sector and stronger food security. At BanKo, we remain a trusted partner because when farmers thrive, whole communities prosper. Dahil sa BanKo, may ngiti ang bukas mo,” Mabiasen added.
Closing the Credit Gap for Smallholders
Many Filipino farmers remain unbanked or underserved, limiting their ability to invest in better inputs and modern methods. This partnership directly addresses that gap—offering affordable, formal credit that helps break cycles of low output and financial instability.
“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. 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,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Reach and Crops
Moving forward, BanKo and JGF plan to scale the initiative—onboarding more farmers in new provinces and extending credit programs to other high‑value crops, including bell peppers. This shared commitment underscores their role in uplifting Filipino farmers, strengthening local food security, and building a more sustainable, resilient agricultural sector nationwide.
