BanKo and Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) are helping Filipino onion farmers strengthen their livelihood by pairing access to financing with reliable market opportunities, giving smallholder growers the support they need to expand their farms and increase their income.
Through BanKo’s Farmer Financing Program under JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), eligible farmers can apply for loans that help cover the cost of seeds, fertilizers, equipment, land preparation, and harvesting. The financing is designed around the realities of farming, with loan terms aligned with the crop cycle so farmers can harvest and sell their produce before repayment.
The program also opens doors to a stable market. Eligible borrowers must belong to cooperatives or associations that have supplied the Jollibee Group for at least two consecutive years, allowing them to combine financial support with long-term business opportunities.
Since the partnership began, more than 200 farmers in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, and Candon, Ilocos Sur have received a combined ₱24.8 million in loans.
BanKo President Rod Mabiasen Jr. said the partnership gives farmers access to financing that matches their needs while helping strengthen local farming communities.
JGF President Gisela Tiongson added that connecting smallholder farmers to institutional buyers becomes even more meaningful when paired with affordable financing, allowing them to invest in their farms and improve their livelihood over time.
The organizations also plan to reach more farming communities by expanding the program to additional provinces and extending financing to other high-value crops, including bell peppers.
When farmers have the resources to invest in their land, the benefits reach beyond a single harvest. Families gain more opportunities, communities build stronger local food systems, and the next growing season begins with greater confidence.
Projects like this show how partnerships can create lasting opportunities. Whether you’re part of a company, civic group, or simply a circle of friends, supporting local farmers and community-based initiatives can help plant the seeds for lasting change.
