Behind every meal enjoyed by Filipino families are hardworking farmers who make sure fresh ingredients reach our tables. Recognizing the important role they play, BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), and the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) continue to strengthen their partnership to provide Filipino onion farmers with better access to financing and long-term growth opportunities.
Through JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) and BanKo’s Farmer Financing Program, smallholder farmers are gaining the support they need to improve productivity, increase their income, and build more sustainable livelihoods.
The financing initiative is designed specifically for farmers supplying onions to the Jollibee Group. Eligible borrowers must be Filipino farmers aged 23 to 67 upon loan maturity, own a mobile phone, have no adverse credit bureau records, and belong to a cooperative or association that has been supplying the Jollibee Group for at least two consecutive years.
With access to tailored financing solutions, farmers can purchase quality seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other essential farm inputs, while also funding land preparation and harvesting activities. Combined with guaranteed market access, the program helps farmers boost yields, meet quality standards, and enjoy more stable income opportunities.
“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., BanKo President.
To date, the partnership has already supported more than 200 farmers, with total loan releases reaching Php24.8 million across 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.”
The Farmer Financing Program offers competitive interest rates, simplified requirements, and repayment terms aligned with crop production cycles. This enables farmers to harvest and sell their produce before their loans mature, promoting healthier cash flow and reducing dependence on informal lenders that often charge high interest rates.
For many farmers, limited access to formal financing has long been a challenge, preventing investments in quality inputs and modern farming methods. By providing affordable and timely financial support, BanKo and JGF hope to help farmers break the cycle of low productivity and achieve greater financial stability.
“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 the 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.”
Looking ahead, BanKo and JGF plan to expand the initiative by reaching more farmers in additional provinces and supporting other high-value crops, including bell peppers.
Through this continued collaboration, both organizations hope to strengthen local food security, uplift farming communities, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector—ensuring that Filipino farmers continue to thrive for generations to come.
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