BPI Direct BanKo, Inc. (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, and the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) are boosting their partnership to improve livelihoods and build sustainable futures for local onion farmers under the foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP).
Since launch, the collaboration has assisted over 200 farmers, releasing a total of P24.8 million in loans across key farming areas: San Jose in Nueva Ecija, and Tagudin and Candon in Ilocos Sur. The initiative combines accessible credit with guaranteed market access to the Jollibee Group, helping farmers boost productivity, raise incomes, and secure stable earnings for their families and communities.
Qualified farmers can avail of tailored loans designed to match onion production cycles, with competitive rates and requirements set specifically for smallholders. Eligibility includes being aged 23 to 67 at loan maturity, having a mobile phone, a clean credit record, and membership in a cooperative that has supplied the Jollibee Group for at least two straight years. Funds may be used to buy seeds, fertilizers, equipment, cover land preparation and harvesting costs, or adopt better farming methods. Fast processing ensures money arrives in time for planting seasons, so farmers can sell their harvest before repayments fall due.
The program addresses the long-standing credit gap that leaves many Filipino farmers unbanked or reliant on high-cost informal lenders. By providing affordable formal financing, BanKo and JGF aim to help farmers break cycles of low output and build lasting financial stability.
“Empowering farmers with timely capital improves livelihoods and strengthens our food security. We stand by farming communities—when they thrive, our whole nation prospers,” said BanKo president Rod Mabiasen, Jr.
JGF president Gisela Tiongson added: “Linking farmers to markets and affordable financing helps them grow into sustainable businesses. Together we are building a more inclusive agricultural value chain.”
Moving forward, the partners plan to expand to more provinces and extend support to other high-value crops such as bell peppers, reaffirming their shared goal of uplifting local agriculture and strengthening national food security.
