The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Land Bank of the Philippines has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology to expand financing and technical support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups across the country, reinforcing efforts to promote innovation-driven growth.
The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 4, 2026, led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette Ortiz, together with senior officials from both institutions.
Under the partnership, DOST-assisted enterprises will gain enhanced access to LANDBANK’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth (LIFTING) MSMEs Lending Program, which aims to help businesses scale operations, adopt technology, and generate employment.
“Through this collaboration, we see an even brighter future for our fellow Filipinos. This initiative will provide our kababayans with the confidence to see STI [science, technology, and innovation] as a profitable industry. ‘May pera sa siyensya.’ This collaborative effort with LANDBANK shall foster the rise of new startups that would eventually create more job opportunities,” Solidum said.
Under the agreement, the DOST will identify and endorse qualified MSMEs and startups while also providing technical assistance to improve their readiness for financing. LANDBANK will evaluate loan applications and extend financial support while managing loan accounts to ensure efficient delivery of services.
“Our country is rich in innovators — young, capable, and driven by purpose. By aligning DOST’s innovation ecosystem with LANDBANK’s development financing, we are accelerating commercialization, lowering barriers, and strengthening MSMEs as drivers of inclusive growth — giving Filipino innovators a clear path to scale and impact,” Ortiz said.
Launched in September 2025, the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program is designed to expand access to credit by offering tailored financing solutions that support innovation, enterprise growth, and countryside development. The program has since been rolled out in key regions nationwide.
The partnership also strengthens existing cooperation between the two agencies, including the Innovation and Technology (I-TECH) Lending Program implemented with the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), which supports the commercialization of patented Filipino inventions.
Both agencies said the initiatives are aligned with broader government efforts to promote innovation, improve financial inclusion, and accelerate inclusive and sustainable enterprise development.