Manila: State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have entered into a partnership to modernize the distribution of scholarship grants and training support funds for over 335,000 TESDA scholars.
According to Philippines News Agency, the memorandum of agreement was signed at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City on February 16, 2026, by LandBank President and CEO Lynette Ortiz and TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez. Ortiz emphasized that the partnership aims to modernize the payout system, ensuring that TESDA scholars receive their allowances directly into their accounts for fast, transparent, and reliable access to financial assistance.
Under the agreement, TESDA will institutionalize the use of LandBank's ATM Payroll Facility to digitally credit scholarship allowances and training support funds to beneficiaries. This initiative will enable funds to be credited directly to scholars' accounts, reducing delays, minimizing cash-handling risks, and eliminating the need for repeated follow-ups.
Benitez highlighted that the facility would enhance TESDA's capability to provide a more convenient, secure, and efficient way of receiving grants, allowances, and training support funds for scholars and beneficiaries. TESDA will process scholarship payouts through auto-credit via LandBank's weAccess facility, utilizing its designated Payroll Fund or Modified Disbursement System Account.
The arrangement encompasses TESDA's Central Office and all regional, provincial, and district offices nationwide. Beneficiaries have the option to open a LandBank PISO Account, which requires a PHP1 initial deposit, has no maintaining balance, and comes with a free proprietary ATM card. Eligible beneficiaries aged 18 and above can opt for the LandBank PISO Plus Account, which requires no initial deposit and includes a Virtual Visa Debit Card. Accounts can be opened digitally through the LandBank Mobile Banking App using one valid ID or a TESDA-issued endorsement letter.
