The BanKo North Luzon team sets sail during the BanKo Kick Off 2026, embodying the theme “Todo Sa Paglayag” as they rally for another year of growth and service to communities.
BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continues to advance financial inclusion by expanding access to loans and financial solutions for underserved Filipinos, particularly self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs).
BanKo sustained its growth in 2025, extending Php 23.7 billion in loans to self-employed micro-entrepreneurs. Through core products such as NegosyoKo Loan, and PondoKo and TODO Savings, BanKo enables micro-entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their livelihood while helping more Filipinos build secure and consistent savings habits.
Today, BanKo serves more than 1.4 million clients across 412 branches nationwide, reinforcing its role as a trusted financial partner in communities where access to formal banking services remains limited. BanKo also aims to further strengthen its reach by expanding its branch network, enhancing digital onboarding capabilities, and introducing more QR-enabled processes to make banking services easier and more convenient for its clients.
“BanKo remains committed to helping Filipinos build a better future,” said Rod Mabiasen, Jr., BanKo President. “By making financial services more accessible, we empower micro-entrepreneurs to grow their businesses sustainably and encourage more Filipinos to start their financial journey today. Every client we serve brings us closer to a financially empowered Philippines.”
Beyond providing financial products, BanKo continues to invest in community-based engagement and financial education initiatives that help clients strengthen their financial capability. BanKolaunched the BanKommunity Program, which seeks to reach organized groups and associations with shared characteristics—such as farmers, fisherfolk, sari-sari store owners, TODA members, market vendors, and C2D salaried individuals. Through this initiative, BanKo engages grassroot communities where participants receive business training and guidance, while providing essential financial services such as account openings for PondoKo and TODO Savings, as well as NegosyoKo Loan applications.
In addition, the Bank deploys the BanKo On-The-Go (BOTG), roving vehicles designed to bring financial services even closer to communities, particularly in areas with limited access to banking facilities.
BanKo’s frontline employees play a key role in delivering these services to communities. With over 3,000 employees nationwide, the Bank’s loan officers, branch managers, and field teams work closely with clients, building relationships that go beyond transactions and supporting entrepreneurs throughout their financial journey.
To recognize these contributions, BanKo recently gathered its teams from across the country during its annual Champions Night, which celebrates and recognizes employees who have helped fulfill BanKo’s mission of expanding financial access in their respective communities. Their work reflects BanKo’s commitment to bringing meaningful financial solutions closer to Filipinos who need them most.
Supporting this advocacy is BanKo brand ambassador Kathryn Bernardo, who has been actively championing the Bank’s mission of uplifting Filipino micro-entrepreneurs and their families.
During the recognition program, Kathryn personally met with several BanKo Champions, listening to their stories and recognizing their dedication in serving micro-entrepreneurs nationwide. Her presence highlights her support and belief in the importance of helping more Filipinos achieve financial progress.
“Kathryn has been a genuine partner in advocating for financial inclusion,” Mabiasen shared. “Her encouragement brings inspiration to our teams on the ground, and her belief in the power and opportunity of SEMEs echoes our promise to help more Filipino move closer to their dreams.”
Guided by its philosophy, “Sa BanKo, may Ngiti ang Bukas mo,” BanKo continues to build programs and services that empower Filipino families, strengthening its role as a trusted financial partner to SEMEs, workers, and the champions who make this mission possible.
To learn more about BanKo, visit https://www.banko.com.ph/ or follow BanKo on Facebook at https://facebook.com/magbankona.
