BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, continue to strengthen their partnership to support Filipino onion farmers through accessible and sustainable financing under the Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP). The collaboration aims to help improve farmers’ productivity, increase their income, and create long-term growth opportunities for local farming communities.

Under BanKo’s Farmer Financing Program, eligible borrowers must be Filipino farmers aged 23 to 67 upon loan maturity, own a mobile phone, and have no adverse credit bureau record. Applicants must also be members of a cooperative or association that has served as a supplier of Jollibee Group for at least two consecutive years.

Farmers supported by JGF’s FEP can access financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of smallholder farmers, enabling them to purchase seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other essential farm inputs, as well as support land preparation and harvesting activities. By combining market access opportunities with timely financial support, the partnership helps farmers expand production, meet quality standards, improve yields, and access stable markets such as the Jollibee Group.

“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 collaboration has already supported over 200 farmers, with aggregate loan releases amounting to Php 24.8 million across key agricultural areas such as 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. 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,” he added.

Designed specifically for onion farmers supplying Jollibee Group, the Farmer Financing Program offers competitive interest rates, accessible application requirements, and loan terms aligned with the crop production cycle. This allows farmers to harvest and sell produce before their loans mature, supporting healthier cash flow and more sustainable farm operations. BanKo also ensures efficient loan processing and disbursement so farmers can receive funds in time for planting seasons.

The initiative directly addresses the persistent credit gap faced by many Filipino farmers, particularly those who remain unbanked or underfinanced. Limited access to formal financing often prevents farmers from investing in quality inputs and modern farming technologies, forcing many to rely on informal lenders with high interest rates. By offering affordable and timely financing, BanKo and JGF aim to help farmers break the cycle of low productivity and strengthen their long-term 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. 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. Together, we hope to create more opportunities for Filipino smallholder farmers and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive agricultural value chain,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of the Jollibee Group Foundation.

Looking ahead, BanKo and JGF aim to further scale the initiative by onboarding more farmers across additional provinces and expanding credit programs to support more high-value crops, including bell peppers.

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to uplift Filipino farmers, strengthen local food security, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.

Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.

For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.

One of the galleries that will be participating is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.

“Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.

The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados a broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.

Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.

For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.

Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.

“What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potential lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.

BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.

Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.

For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.