The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), through its Information Systems Management Division (ISMD), has initiated a strategic collaboration with iCORE Technologies Inc. to digitize and streamline its services for Partner Lending Conduits (PLCs). This marks a significant step toward modernizing the agency’s operations and improving access to financial support for rural financial institutions and the smallholder farmers and fisherfolk they serve.

At the heart of this partnership is the development of an integrated online platform that will automate key processes such as PLC accreditation and credit fund requests under ACPC’s financing programs. The digital system aims to reduce administrative burden, enhance turnaround times, and provide an intuitive user experience for both existing and prospective lending partners.

“This initiative is about making it easier for rural financial institutions to take part in our programs,” said ACPC Director Norman Kraft. “By digitizing these processes, we’re ensuring faster, more reliable access to credit for the agricultural communities that need it most.”

Beyond its core functions, the upgraded system will feature real-time transaction tracking, automated document generation, and enhanced dashboards to support more efficient financial monitoring and reporting. These tools are expected to empower both ACPC and its partner institutions with data-driven insights and streamlined decision-making.

iCORE Technologies President and CEO Lorenzo Valdez expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the strong working relationship that has developed since the two organizations began working together in 2024. “We are proud to support ACPC’s goals through innovation,” he said. “Today’s kickoff reflects our shared commitment to delivering digital solutions that serve the public good.”

The initiative builds on a memorandum of agreement signed in November 2024 for the development of ACPC’s Electronic Payment Collection System, expanding the agency’s digital transformation agenda. As the system rolls out, stakeholders can expect a more responsive, transparent, and efficient platform aligned with ACPC’s mission to promote inclusive, sustainable agricultural development through accessible credit services.

This collaboration aims to empower ACPC's farmer and fisher-borrowers by providing them with efficient and secure digital financial services. acpc.gov.ph

The initiative addresses the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing traditional banking services. By leveraging iCore Technologies' digital payment solutions, the partnership seeks to facilitate seamless transactions, reduce reliance on cash, and enhance the overall financial ecosystem for agricultural stakeholders.

This digital transformation is expected to not only improve the efficiency of financial transactions but also promote transparency and accountability within the agricultural sector. By integrating technology into financial processes, the DA-ACPC and iCore Technologies are taking a significant step towards modernizing the agricultural finance landscape in the Philippines.

The partnership underscores the government's commitment to harnessing technology for inclusive growth, ensuring that farmers and fishers are not left behind in the digital age. As the program rolls out, it is anticipated to serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

For more information on this initiative, please visit the official announcement: https://acpc.gov.ph/da-acpc-and-icore-technologies-partner-for-a-digital-payment-solution/

This collaboration marks a significant milestone as iCORE Technologies becomes an official distributor of KaHero’s cutting-edge POS solutions. By joining forces, we aim to bring smarter, more efficient, and user-friendly retail technologies to a broader range of businesses.

Together, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service, streamlined operations, and growth opportunities to our clients. This partnership represents a shared vision of helping businesses thrive in today’s fast-paced retail landscape.

Stay tuned as we roll out more updates and initiatives that will redefine how you do business. 

Let’s revolutionize retail—together.

At iCORE Technologies, our commitment has always been to deliver innovative solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age. Now, with our strategic partnership with Odoo—a leading provider of all-in-one business management software—we’re ready to revolutionize the way businesses operate.

This collaboration combines iCORE Technologies’ expertise in custom software development with Odoo’s powerful suite of integrated business applications. Together, we’ll deliver end-to-end solutions that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable growth for businesses across industries and sizes.

By leveraging Odoo’s flexible, scalable platform alongside iCORE Technologies’ tailored implementations and dedicated support, our clients can expect exceptional efficiency, agility, and return on investment.

We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership unlocks and look forward to delivering even greater value to our clients. Stay tuned for more updates as iCORE Technologies and Odoo reshape the future of business management!

The strategic alliance, allows the use of facilities such as ATM, POS, and P2M of AllBank’s networks to be linked with the digital capabilities of SBPay, a digital payment system developed by iCORE Technologies. By combining Allbank’s auxiliary services and Southbank’s experience in digital banking solutions, the partnership will not only provide unparalleled convenience but also empower individuals and businesses to thrive financially. The enhanced digital banking capabilities of the two (2) banks ensures greater market outreach leading to a more effective and efficient banking services nationwide.

SBPay is a digital payment solution, developed by iCORE Technologies, Inc. that allows cash-less financial transactions, designed to deliver exceptional customer experience combined with personalized support.

AllBank, Inc. is a thrift bank wholly owned by the Villar Group and operates mainly in the Central Luzon and Cavite areas. SouthBank, Inc. on the other hand, is a prime Rural Bank with operations in the Visayas and Mindanao areas. 

Dubbed the Digital State Project, it aims to empower communities and businesses with cutting-edge technology, to promote economic development. The project was officially launched on January 18, 2024, where MinDA and MasterCard jointly presented a range of digitalization initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable digital financial economy, with a specific focus on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting agricultural growth. Among the selected invitees to the launch are SouthBank, Inc. and iCORE.

Notably, SouthBank stood out as the sole rural bank among the distinguished invitees, recognized as one of the partners committed to driving digital financial inclusion and contributing to the transformation of Mindanao’s economy into a digital landscape. iCORE Technologies is the exclusive provider of digital business and banking solutions to SouthBank.

This is another testament to the vigorous participation of iCORE Technologies in the promotion of a digital business environment. 

Through our platform, integration with UBX Banking-as-a-service, empowering rural banks and other financial institution becomes a reality. This reflects our long enduring commitment to be the leader in enabling digitalization of local communities throughout the country.

"Our partnership with UBX allows us to strengthen our active pursuit of digital banking initiatives to provide our clients with a better banking experience. This strategic alliance with UBX, the country’s leader in open finance, supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) push for the digital transformation of rural banks and promotes greater financial inclusion,”

Sonny Mendoza

SouthBank President and CEO