CEBU CITY, Cebu, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) expressed its continued support for the Enhanced Countryside Development (ECD) Program for farmers and fisherfolk in the province of Cebu.

In a press statement, LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said during the recent courtesy visit that they will strengthen its ongoing partnership with the Provincial Government of Cebu to finance the agricultural production of local farmers and fisherfolk especially those who are living in underdeveloped areas in Cebu.

“The program also offers capital to expand or restart existing businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, among others,” said Borromeo.

Since the initial roll-out of the ECD program in March 2021, LANDBANK has approved loans for 767 farmers and fisherfolk engaged in the production of swine, high-value crops, and fisheries in the whole province of Cebu.

The ECD program aims to reinvigorate the economic activities in the countryside, particularly in the agribusiness sector.

ECD expands the Sugbusog and Sugbo Negosyo programs and the revival of Cebu’s tourism industry last year to bring back the economy crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also targets to ramp up food production in the province to ensure food security and sufficiency for the Cebuanos. (HFG/PIA7 with reports from LBP)