AGRIBUSINESS RURAL BANK, INC. (AGRIBANK), formerly known as Rural Bank of Sta. Fe (N.V.) Inc., began operations in its hometown in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, in 1978. To revitalize the bank, the current stockholder group acquired full ownership in 1988 and immediately implemented operational improvements, such as offering new products and services.
In 1995, the bank changed its name to AGRIBUSINESS RURAL BANK, INC. or AGRIBANK, expanding its reach and responding to the financing needs of not only micro enterprises but also the agricultural sector and small and medium-sized businesses. After expanding its operations in Central Luzon and Bicol Regions in 2009, the Bank’s resources doubled in a single year, from P1.40 billion to P2 billion. Since then, the company has received noteworthy awards and recognitions from distinguished institutions in the country. In 2010, the Most Outstanding Microfinance Availer Award by LBP was given to AGRIBANK. Moreso, the Most Outstanding Rural Financial Institution was given to AGRIBANK by the National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC) in 2013, while in 2015, the company was recognized as an Outstanding Partner by the PCFC. In 2019, AGRIBANK was a recipient of the Gawad Pilak Award for its 25 years partnership with LBP. Finally, for 2022, AGRIBANK bagged numerous recognitions, one of which is the recognition as one of the best employers in the banking and financial services category by Philippine Daily Inquirer, placing at number 17. And by September of 2022, the bank’s resources soared as high as P4.4 billion.
With more than four (4) decades of dedicated and committed service, AGRIBANK, under the excellent leadership of its Chairman, Atty. Luis A. Vera Cruz Jr. expanded its operations not only in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, but also to a wider market catering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For Luzon, seventeen (17) branches are strategically located in the provinces of La Union, Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Rizal, Quezon, Mindoro, Palawan, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon. Meanwhile, two (2) branches are currently serving the needs of the island of Visayas, situated in the provinces of Iloilo and Bohol. Lastly, two (2) branches in Mindanao can be found in the bountiful provinces of Davao and South Cotabato. In addition to full-service branches, twelve (12) Branch-lite Units are operating in different areas nationwide. This includes the cities and municipalities of Bantay, Urdaneta, Guimba, Maria Aurora, Zaragosa, General Tinio, Gapan, Pili, Tabaco, Roxas, Mandaue, and Koronadal.
At present, the Bank’s Head Office is located at Ropali Plaza Building, Josemaria Escriva Drive cor. Gold Loop Ortigas Center, Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City. AGRIBANK is one of the leading rural banks in the Philippines, ranking 11th , out of 382 rural banks, with a Total Resources of over P4.4 billion (as of September 2022); managed and operated by over 800 well-trained and dedicated bankers and professionals.
Moving forward, AGRIBANK will embark on more exciting endeavours and collaborations as it expands its portfolio of products and services. Filipinos can expect more game-changing efforts and improved service from this company, which are all part of its vision and mission to expand further as a responsive and innovative enterprise with the goal of making financial services accessible to every Filipino.
