Landbank Achieves Milestone with ₱50 Billion Asenso Bonds Listing on PDEx
In a significant financial development, Landbank has successfully raised ₱50 billion through its Agriculture, Sustainability, Environment, and Socioeconomic Development (Asenso) Bonds. The bonds were officially listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx) on February 16, 2026, in a ceremony held in Makati City. This listing opens secondary-market trading, providing investors with enhanced flexibility and liquidity before maturity.
Leadership and Key Participants in the Listing Ceremony
The listing event was led by prominent figures including Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francis Edralin Lim, and PDEx president Stephanie Marie A. Zulueta. They were joined by Ryan Martin L. Tapia, president of China Bank Capital Corporation, which served as the issue manager. This collaboration underscores the broad institutional support for the Asenso Bonds initiative.
Overwhelming Investor Demand and Innovative Access
The Asenso Bonds offering generated exceptional interest, with orders surging more than tenfold past the ₱5-billion minimum offer. This demand exceeded Landbank's ₱30-billion target, leading to an early closure due to strong retail and institutional appetite. A groundbreaking aspect of this issuance is that it marked the Philippines' first corporate bond offering available for direct in-app purchase through the Landbank Mobile Banking App (MBA), with a minimum investment of ₱10,000. This innovation has democratized access, allowing more Filipinos to earn competitive returns while contributing to nation-building efforts.
Lynette V. Ortiz emphasized the significance of this move, stating, "Beyond the scale of capital raised, this issuance stands out for its inclusivity and innovation. For the first time, corporate bonds were made accessible for direct purchase through a mobile banking application. This is finance with purpose. This is capital aligned with national progress. And for Landbank, this is only the beginning."
Record-Breaking Retail Participation and User Experience
The Asenso Bonds offering achieved Landbank's highest retail participation to date, with 16,914 investors subscribing through various channels, including the Landbank MBA, branches nationwide, and authorized selling agents. The Landbank MBA played a pivotal role, facilitating over 7,000 completed transactions across the 1.5-year and 3-year tenors. Retail investor Jenie Aesquivel, a managing director at a private company, praised the platform's streamlined process and competitive yield, noting, "I was surprised by how seamless and user-friendly the entire process was. What ultimately convinced me was the strong yield—making Asenso Bonds not just a financial choice, but a strategic investment aligned with my goals and values."
Funding Sustainable and Social Projects Nationwide
Proceeds from the Asenso Bonds will be allocated to green and social projects across the Philippines, in line with Landbank's Sustainable Finance Framework, which has been recognized by Moody's for adhering to global standards. Key areas of focus include renewable energy, food security, affordable housing, employment, and socioeconomic empowerment, benefiting farmers, fishers, MSMEs, and households. This initiative supports Landbank's mission of fostering inclusive and climate-resilient growth.
Landbank's existing sustainable loans demonstrate its impactful track record. For instance, the Real Energy+ Financing Program has contributed to over 5,200 megawatts of renewable power, supplying electricity to more than 7.6 million households. The Water Program for Everyone (H2OPE) has improved water access and sanitation for 22 water districts, while the Health-Plus Program has assisted 132 hospitals and healthcare facilities as of December 2025. Additionally, the Community Assistance and Reintegration Support (Cares+) Lending Program has aided nearly 600 calamity-affected borrowers in rebuilding livelihoods and restoring essential services.
Ongoing Commitment to Transparency and Evaluation
Project evaluation and selection for the Asenso Bonds will be conducted in accordance with Landbank's Sustainable Framework. An allocation report will be prepared within one year from the issuance date, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds. This structured approach reinforces Landbank's dedication to sustainable development and community resilience.
