MANILA, Philippines - BPI Globe BanKO and ASKI team up to extend agricultural loans to farmers. BPI Globe BanKO, the country’s first mobile-based savings bank, has partnered with non-profit organization Alalay Sa Kaunlaran Inc. (ASKI) in a joint effort to help improve the financial and economic conditions of Filipino farmers. Acording to BanKO vice president Gigi Gatti, the bank’s strong social mission to cater to the needs of the underserved is a commitment that ASKI. Gatti added that it is likewise exploring the possible developments that micro financing and new technology can bring to improve the lives of the farmers. The initiative also includes a partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and its nutrient manager application. “The partnership hopes to address the farmers’ lack of access to information and financial services,” said Dr. Roland Buresh, Principal Scientist for the Crop and Environmental Sciences Division of IRRI. He adds that the Nutrient Manager application will offer advice and tailored recommendations to help farmers increase their rice yield.