To LANDBANK President Lynette Ortiz, officers, and the entire LANDBANK family — good morning, and Happy New Year!

Before we speak of the road ahead, allow me to congratulate each of you for your outstanding performance last year.

Quite simply, LANDBANK has been a standout performer. Among our GOCCs, you have been one of the top remitters of dividends to the National Government.

These are not just numbers on paper. These dividends strengthen our non-tax revenues, help reduce our deficit and debt, and more importantly, create fiscal space for investments that matter: investments in infrastructure, social services, and development projects that improve the lives of every Filipino.

Your strong balance sheet, expanded lending programs, and continued support for agriculture, MSMEs, local governments, and other priority sectors underscore your capacity to deliver strong financial results while staying true to your national development mandate.

As we gather for today’s flag-raising ceremony, we do so grounded in duty and united by purpose. We begin the year with clarity and resolve. Fiscal discipline and smart spending shall serve as our guiding principle for 2026 and beyond. Every peso spent must serve the people, and every institution must deliver tangible results.

At the DOF, our mandate is clear: safeguard economic stability, raise revenues responsibly, manage debt prudently, and ensure that every peso creates real value for the Filipino people.

Public funds must translate into results that can be felt—in jobs created, businesses supported, roads built, and communities uplifted.

And we will continue to pursue this mission with LANDBANK.

Guided by the steady and capable leadership of PCEO Lynette, I have every confidence that LANDBANK will continue to advance inclusive growth and implement reforms that deliver tangible benefits to the people.

And speaking of reforms, just last Friday, we held our Big, Bold Reforms Philippines economic briefing with leading private-sector stakeholders. One message came through very clearly: reform must be concrete, practical, and felt by the people.

In that same spirit, we encourage LANDBANK to pursue its own set of reforms—reforms that improve public service delivery, widen financial access, and ensure that we remain competitive and aligned with international best practices.

I have four (4) suggestions and guidance:

First, let us practice fiscal discipline. I will not use the terms austerity measures nor will I use belt tightening. We are not in crisis mode nor in a difficult situation. But I think you will all agree with me that our countrymen are calling for accountability and proper spending. I direct that we spend wisely and efficiently and on productive expenditures.

Second, I urge LANDBANK to make online payments easier and more affordable. You might find a way to be the bank of choice of all government agencies and services. We must find a way to reduce significantly or totally eliminate people-to-government payment and convenience fees. This will encourage wider digital adoption and improve access to government services.

Implementation will require practical and sustainable solutions that allow these fees to be removed while keeping systems operationally sound. This may involve platform redesign, improving internal efficiencies, and negotiating with agencies and service providers—so that additional costs are not passed on to the public.

Third, another concrete reform that LANDBANK can implement is in asset optimization. Halimbawa, I encourage the Bank to immediately proceed with the sale of foreclosed vehicles inherited from UCPB, perhaps offering these units to government employees at affordable prices. This is a practical proposal that you raised during our first briefing, and now is the right time to turn it into action.

These vehicles are rapidly depreciating assets. They must not remain idle. They must be converted into cash and returned to productive use. This is the same instruction I gave to the bureau of customs for confiscated vehicles.

In line with this, I hope that you can establish a clear, transparent, and efficient disposal mechanism that ensures fairness, accountability, and value for money.

And fourth, my challenge to every LANDBANKER is this: set the standard as the best bank — the bank that delivers results that truly benefit the Filipino people. Lead with excellence, execute with speed, and make every program measure initiative count. Lets us chase up the rankings of the private banks. Perhaps not in assets or income, but at least in service and preference.

Rest assured, I and the DOF stand firmly behind LANDBANK and will continue to support you in making a real difference.

To all LANDBANKers: thank you for your dedication, commitment, and service.

Let us make 2026 a year of bold action, meaningful results, and lasting impact.

Good morning and Happy New Year!