MANILA -- The merger between state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) takes effect on 01 March 2022, envisioned to provide a more robust support to the country’s agriculture sector for inclusive rural development.

Both LANDBANK and UCPB customers will have access to a combined network of 677 branches and branch-lite units, 2,800 automated teller machines (ATMs), and 228 cash deposit machines (CDMs) nationwide as of February 23, as well as benefit from a wider range of innovative products and services.

As the surviving entity, LANDBANK’s total assets will increase to P2.9 trillion, further solidifying its ranking as the second-largest bank in the country in terms of assets.

More importantly, the increased financial muscle will significantly grow the Bank’s loan portfolio directed at servicing the whole agriculture sector alongside key development industries.

“LANDBANK’s union with UCPB advances the government’s development agenda to support the agriculture sector through a stronger, more resilient and unified banking institution. The merger places us in a better position to reach and service more farmers, fishers and other players in the agribusiness value chain nationwide,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Customers are assured that the services of both LANDBANK and UCPB will continue to be unhampered, with deposits remaining intact and secured in their respective servicing branches.

All UCPB branches will continue to operate and serve UCPB customers until the systems integration and accounts migration to LANDBANK are completed. The majority of UCPB branches will be converted as LANDBANK branches and will be announced regularly to the public.

Existing service fees will still apply for cash withdrawals of UCPB cardholders at LANDBANK ATMs until all accounts are converted or migrated to LANDBANK that comes with new ATM cards.

The merger between LANDBANK and UCPB is pursuant to Executive Order No. 142 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on 25 June 2021, which approved the merger to form a better capitalized and more resilient institution that will play a principal role in the National Government’s development and financial inclusion agenda. (LANDBANK)