Pagudpud: State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines on Monday opened its new branch-lite unit (BLU) in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, bringing banking services closer to residents, farmers, fisherfolk, and local businesses. "The new branch will strengthen financial inclusion and support our economic growth in Pagudpud," Mayor Ralph Rafael Benemerito stated during the simple ribbon-cutting ceremony and thanksgiving mass.

According to Philippines News Agency, a BLU is a smaller version of a full-sized bank with limited services and operations. It features an automated teller machine (ATM) and a digital corner where clients can open a deposit account in 15 minutes or less using the LandBank Digital Onboarding System (DOBS).

The new branch is strategically located at the new public market along the national highway in Barangay Tarrag. The establishment of this branch is expected to enhance banking access and services in Pagudpud, a key tourist destination in Ilocos Norte, as clients previously had to travel two hours to reach the nearest LandBank branch.

Catherine Agreda, a working mom and Pagudpud resident, expressed her approval of the new branch. "This is now the second bank in our town," she remarked. "I hope there will be a full-service bank soon."