LANDBANK branch eyed in Abulug, Cagayan; Government financing services to come closer to residents

ABULUG, Cagayan — A proposed Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) branch in Abulug is expected to bring banking and government financing services closer to residents of northern Cagayan, according to an announcement posted by the Local Government Unit of Abulug on September 12, 2026.

The announcement came after LANDBANK officials inspected the proposed branch site and paid a courtesy call on Abulug Mayor Angelie A. Vargas.

The delegation was led by FVP Liza J. Melendez, Group Head for North East Luzon, along with branch heads Michael Dela Cruz of Tuguegarao, Mar Batulan of Aparri and Joseph Caliguiran of Luna, as well as Field Support Services Center Region 2 Head Atty. Gilbert Barsatan.

Municipal Treasurer Elizabeth D. Baylon, Marlet Binua and Jonathan Yacas also joined the discussions on logistical and operational requirements for the proposed branch.

The proposed LANDBANK branch will be located at the District Government Center, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

During the site inspection, bank officials and local government representatives assessed the location in terms of accessibility and its potential to serve residents, farmers, micro-entrepreneurs and other clients.

The proposed branch is expected to make government-related banking and financing services more accessible, including transactions involving government programs, institutional accounts and financial assistance and lending programs offered through LANDBANK.

For residents, having a LANDBANK branch within the municipality could also reduce the need to travel to neighboring towns to access banking services, saving time and transportation costs.

Mayor Vargas welcomed the development, saying a local LANDBANK branch would significantly reduce the travel burden of residents who currently need to go outside Abulug for institutional banking transactions.

The proposed branch is also seen as a potential boost to financial inclusion and local economic activity, particularly by giving farmers, small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs easier access to formal banking and financing services.

Netizens welcome development

The announcement drew positive reactions from Abulug residents and other netizens.

Ramelo Allam welcomed the prospect of additional establishments and opportunities in the municipality, congratulating Mayor Vargas and Vice Mayor Jeff Vargas.

“Wow, more establishments, more opportunities. Abulug, you’re one of a kind. Congrats Mayor and Vice Mayor,” Allam commented.

Meanwhile, Tony Amayun thanked the mayor for the development and expressed hope that other banks would also establish branches in Abulug.

“Thank you Mayor Vargas. May LANDBANK na rin sa Abulug soon. PNB pa sana,” he said.

Another netizen, Zenaida Labor Balisang, described the proposed branch as a sign of progress for Abulug residents.

“Signs of progress to all Abulugueños,” she commented.

The proposed LANDBANK branch is expected to further improve access to banking, government financial transactions and financing opportunities once it becomes operational.