For years, the agricultural sector has been the unheralded hero of the economy, often operating under the radar compared to the more celebrated services and industry sectors. Meanwhile, the rural banking industry has consistently been supportive of agriculture, also in consonance with its mandate to allocate a portion of their loanable funds to the sector.

Under Republic Act 10000, or the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act, local banks are required to allot 15 percent of their portfolios for agriculture, and 10 percent to agrarian reform beneficiaries.