Landbank to raise ₱5 billion in sustainability bond offering
Land Bank of the Philippines is seeking to raise at least ₱5 billion through a new offering of sustainability bonds, marking its latest push to funnel private capital into environmental and social development projects.
The state-run lender is marketing the debt as Agriculture, Sustainability, Environment and Socioeconomic Development Bonds, or ASENSO Bonds. The Philippine peso-denominated, fixed-rate notes are being offered in two tranches with tenors of 1.5 years and 3 years, according to a company statement.
The offering follows a successful ₱5 billion maiden sustainability bond issuance in 2020, which saw significant oversubscription. During that sale, total bids reached ₱16.6 billion, more than five times the initial ₱3 billion target. This latest round of fundraising aims to capitalize on heightening investor appetite for environmental, social, and governance-aligned assets in the Southeast Asian nation.
Proceeds from the ASENSO Bonds will be channeled toward projects including renewable energy, green buildings, and clean transportation. The bank also plans to fund social initiatives such as food security, affordable housing, and employment generation. The bank’s strategy is designed to align with the Philippine Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“The ASENSO Bonds offer investors a unique opportunity to earn competitive, fixed returns while contributing to meaningful projects that benefit communities and the environment,” Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said in the statement. She noted that the timing of the issuance coincides with rising demand for sustainable investments that support long-term national growth.
The bank began marketing the bonds to qualified institutional buyers on Jan. 12. Retail investors will be able to subscribe from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6 through the Landbank mobile banking app. The minimum investment is set at ₱10,000, with subsequent increments of ₱10,000. Landbank expects to list the bonds on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Feb. 16.
Interest on the notes will be paid quarterly and is subject to final withholding tax. China Bank Capital Corp. is serving as the sole issue manager, while both Landbank and China Bank Capital are acting as selling agents. The Securities and Exchange Commission has confirmed that the issuance complies with ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards.