In a bold step to enhance water and sanitation access across the country, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has entered into a strategic partnership with global non-profit organization Water.org to expand investments in safe, sustainable water solutions for underserved communities.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 15 May 2025 at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, the collaboration aims to scale up support for water and sanitation projects in line with the national government’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)—universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030.
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Water.org Regional Director for Southeast Asia Griselda G. Santos led the ceremonial signing, witnessed by LANDBANK Director Gaudencio S. Hernandez Jr., Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos, and Water.org Portfolio Lead Floredick B. Pajarillo.
“By combining LANDBANK’s nationwide reach and financing capacity with Water.org’s expertise in community engagement, technical support, and impact evaluation, we are building a powerful alliance,” said LANDBANK President Ortiz.
Under the partnership, LANDBANK will provide its lending guidelines to help Water.org identify eligible borrowers, while Water.org will offer technical assistance to improve project readiness. This includes support for loan documentation, application processing, and technical assessments to ensure project viability.
The collaboration brings together LANDBANK’s proven track record in public infrastructure financing with Water.org’s market-based approach to delivering safe water access. The partnership will benefit local water service providers such as water districts, local government units (LGUs), cooperatives, financial institutions, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“There’s still a long way to go towards a sustainable solution in the Philippines. No one institution—government or NGO—can do it alone. This challenge provides an opportunity for us to work together for a more sustainable and resilient country,” said Water.org Regional Director Santos.
The initiative will be implemented through LANDBANK’s Water for Everyone (H2OPE) Program, which supports the development of sustainable water sources, improved distribution systems, and sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities across the nation.
As of March 2025, LANDBANK has approved P8.8 billion in loans to 36 borrowers under the H2OPE Program. The partnership with Water.org is expected to significantly expand the program’s impact, accelerating the delivery of clean, safe water and sanitation services where they are needed most.
