Manila: Onion farmers supplying the Jollibee Group through accredited organizations may continue to access financing from BPI Direct BanKo Inc. (BanKo) under the Jollibee Group Foundation's (JGF) Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP).
According to Philippines News Agency, the Jollibee Group stated that onion farmers who have been members of entities supplying the company for at least two consecutive years are eligible to avail themselves of the financing program. Qualified farmers aged 23 to 67, upon loan maturity, may access funds to purchase seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other essential farm inputs. The financing may also be used for land preparation and harvesting activities. The company said the initiative is designed to help farmers strengthen their operations and improve market access.
The program aims to combine market access opportunities with timely financial support, allowing farmers to expand production, meet quality standards, improve yields, and access stable markets such as the Jollibee Group. To date, around 200 farmers from San Jose, Nueva Ecija, and the Ilocos Sur localities of Tagudin and Candon City have benefited from the program, with total loan releases reaching PHP24.8 million.
BanKo President Rod Mabiasen Jr. emphasized the importance of empowering farmers with timely access to capital, which not only improves productivity and livelihoods but also contributes to building a more resilient agricultural sector and stronger local food security. He stated that BanKo remains committed to being a trusted partner of farming communities, as the prosperity of farmers leads to the prosperity of entire communities.
Jollibee Group Foundation President Gisela Tiongson highlighted the Foundation's commitment to helping smallholder farmers become more productive and financially sustainable. By connecting them to institutional markets and essential support services, the partnership with BanKo helps farmers gain access to affordable financing, enabling them to invest in their farms and improve their livelihoods. Tiongson expressed hope that this collaboration would create more opportunities for Filipino smallholder farmers and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive agricultural value chain.
