LANDBANK'S DEDICATION TO FORMER REBEL FAMILIES THROUGH LOAN SUPPORT. LandBank Assistant Vice President Danilo D. Crobalde spoke about the significance of the Balik-Loob Lending Program, emphasizing LandBank’s dedication to supporting former rebels and their families through providing loans for their desired livelihood. (Photo by TFBL Strategic Communications)

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) continues its commitment to supporting former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists (FVEs) through the Balik-Loob Lending Program (BLLP). Land Bank Assistant Vice President Danilo D. Crobalde spoke about the significance of the initiative, emphasizing the bank's dedication to supporting former rebels and their families in an interview on Balik-Loob sa Pagbabago, aired over DWDD AFP Radio. 

The program aims to integrate FRs and FVEs back into society by providing them access to flexible financial support for their business ventures.

Crobalde explained that loans ranging from PHP 25,000 to PHP 100,000 are available to qualified individuals, with Land Bank evaluating each applicant’s needs carefully.

One of the most significant aspects of the BLLP is its flexible loan terms, with Land Bank offering to cover up to 90% of the financing needs, making it easier for former rebels to start or expand their businesses.

"So, ang magiging equity lang nila 10%. Usually, binibigay ang hanggang 90%. Pero dito para lang talagang mas maka-adjust sila at siyempre medyo hirap sa pananalapi, hanggang 90% [ang] pwedeng ipautang ng Land Bank."

In addition to supporting individuals, the BLLP also caters to organizations, cooperatives, and associations formed by FRs and FVEs, extending loans to help uplift entire communities.

"Hindi lamang silang mga former rebels or FVEs ang pwedeng makakuha ng programang ito at pwede rin po yung kanilang mga organisasyon, yung kanilang mga kooperatiba or association na kung saan may mga miyembro rin ng mga former rebels at sa mga former violent extremists. Dito po ang pauutangin ng Land Bank, dalawa. Pwede po yung individual para sa kanila at pwede rin po pautangin ng Land Bank yung mga organization nila."

Currently, BLLP centers operate in 60 major lending centers across 89 provinces, including areas such as Pangasinan, Cordillera, Cagayan, and Isabela. 

To encourage beneficiaries, Crobalde urged those qualified to take advantage of this opportunity to establish a stable income and improve their livelihoods.

"...take this as an opportunity para mapalago po kung ano man yung negosyo niyo na gusto ninyong establish para po patuloy po na tutulungan namin kayo sa inyong mga pangangailangan."

Launched in 2018, the BLLP aims to provide financial assistance to help reintegrate individuals back into society and improve their livelihoods.

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