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Bank of the Philippine Islands

BanKo strengthens commitment to financial inclusion, scales support for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs

by Contributor March 20, 2026

written by Contributor

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).

Rod Mabiasen, Jr., BanKo President, motivates employees to continue advancing the bank’s mission of empowering self-employed micro-entrepreneurs through inclusive banking.

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.”

TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO (center), together with leaders of BanKo, rallies employees to strengthen the Bank’s commitment to expanding financial access for underserved communities.

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.

BanKo brand ambassador Kathryn Bernardo joins BanKoMares and BanKoPares at the 8th BanKo Champions Night.

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.

March 20, 2026 0 comments

Business

BPI, Ayala Land enable cross‑bank auto‑debits for property owners and tenants

by Contributor March 2, 2026

written by Contributor

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) are among the early adopters of the Direct Debit facility in the Philippines, an interoperable and multilateral auto-debit system that allows property buyers and tenants to settle recurring payments from any account from participating banks—seamlessly, securely, and on schedule.

The initiative reflects a strategic collaboration between two leading Ayala companies, combining BPI’s digital banking infrastructure and Ayala Land’s extensive property ecosystem to modernize payment processes and elevate the overall customer experience. Through the integration, ALI property buyers and tenants can authorize automatic debits from any participating banks for recurring obligations such as property amortizations, rentals, association dues, and other scheduled payments, with full rollout targeted within the first quarter of the year following the pilot phase.

(L-R): BPI’s Joel De Vera, Head of Strategy, Products, and Support, Institutional Banking, and Louie Cruz, Head of Institutional Banking with ALI’s Jose Eduardo Quimpo II, CFO and Treasurer, and Sheila Marie San Buenaventura, Residential Business Group CFO.

The Direct Debit facility is the Philippines’ first interoperable and multilateral auto-debit system, enabling automated debits across banks via a regulated clearing house. Historically, auto-debit arrangements required both payor and biller to maintain accounts within the same bank. With Direct Debit, customers can now use their existing bank accounts across participating banks, making recurring payments more convenient and accessible while supporting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) roadmap for a faster, safer, and more inclusive digital payments ecosystem.

Direct Debit forms part of the BSP’s broader push for interoperable digital payment streams, alongside InstaPay and PESONet, strengthening the country’s financial infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable payment systems, and consumer protection.

For Ayala Land, the platform enhances operational efficiency by enabling automated clearing, same-day settlement to their BPI account, and standardized reporting across Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) member banks—reducing manual processing, accelerating posting of payments, and improving reconciliation. For customers, it means fewer missed payments, less administrative effort, and a smoother end-to-end property ownership journey.

“This is a first-of-its-kind solution in the Philippines that allows interoperable direct debit for recurring payments,” said Louie Cruz, Head of Institutional Banking at BPI. “By enabling automated debits from any participating bank, we are setting a new standard for convenience, reliability, and innovation in payments. Our collaboration with Ayala Land demonstrates how partnerships can scale digital solutions that directly benefit customers.”

Our signatories together with the working team mark another milestone made possible through collaboration and shared commitment.

“As BPI celebrates 175 years, we continue to invest in innovations that simplify everyday financial transactions,” he added.

“This initiative reinforces Ayala Land’s commitment to delivering a more seamless and efficient buying experience,” said Jigger Jamir, Deputy Treasurer of Ayala Land. “Through a one-time authorization, customers can now make recurring payments electronically using their existing bank accounts, removing the need for multiple checks and simplifying how they manage their financial commitments. At the same time, automated clearing, same-day settlement, and standardized reporting enable faster posting of payments and more efficient processing.”

The Direct Debit facility is ideal for recurring payment categories, including property amortizations, rent and lease payments, loan installments, insurance premiums, membership dues, and subscription-based services. By automating these transactions, BPI and Ayala Land are improving collection efficiency, enhancing liquidity management, and delivering meaningful convenience for customers. Through this first-in-the-country platform, BPI and Ayala Land are setting a new benchmark for digital payments in the Philippine property sector, demonstrating how cross-industry collaboration can modernize financial infrastructure while creating tangible value for customers and businesses nationwide.

March 2, 2026 0 comments

Community

BPI’s LSB strengthens financial support for over 67,000 teachers nationwide

by Contributor January 5, 2026

written by Contributor

Teachers play a vital role not only in shaping young minds but also in building stronger, more resilient communities. Recognizing their invaluable contributions, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its subsidiary Legazpi Savings Bank (LSB), continues to champion educators by providing financial solutions and celebrating their role as mentors and nation-builders.

“Teacher, ikaw naman ngayon.” This simple yet powerful message captures the essence of LSB’s tribute to Filipino educators. Over the years, LSB has empowered more than 67,000 teachers nationwide, highlighting its long-standing contribution to the teaching community. From January to November 2025, the bank recorded an 82% year-on-year growth in its loan portfolio due largely to stronger sales execution supported by improved training and manpower management.

LSB representatives interact with teachers during the Palarong Pambansa 2025, highlighting the bank’s continued support for educators through financial services.

Further demonstrating its long-term commitment to promoting financial inclusion, LSB has opened 12 Branch Lite Units (BLUs) nationwide, bringing reliable and affordable financial services closer to teachers where they live and work. This expansion ensures that more educators can access the support they need without disruption to their daily responsibilities.

Strengthening Partnerships for Education

LSB has deepened its collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders to implement programs that uplift teachers and enhance learning environments. These initiatives include:

Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte
Brigada Eskwela in Bacacay, Albay
National Teachers’ Month (NTM) Kick-Off in Koronadal City, South Cotabato
NTM Mid-Month Celebration in Dumaguete City

Through these partnerships, LSB reinforces its dedication to improving the lives of educators and fostering a culture of appreciation for their service.

Over 12,000 teachers and education leaders came together in Pasay to celebrate National Teachers’ Day.

Celebrating Teachers Nationwide

LSB proudly supported the NTM culminating activity last October 6, where over 12,000 teachers and education leadersgathered to celebrate National Teachers’ Day.

“Teachers are at the heart of nation-building. Through our partnership with DepEd and the support of BPI and LSB, we are proud to give back to those who have dedicated their lives to shaping future generations,” said Jerome Minglana, LSB President. “All these reflect our vision of helping build a better Philippines—one family, one school, one community at a time.”

Empowering Educators Through Financial Solutions

At the core of LSB’s offerings is the Teacher’s Loan, its flagship product designed to provide educators with quick, convenient, and worry-free access to funds. This solution allows teachers to:

Apply, submit requirements, and sign loan documents online
Avoid leaving their classrooms or disrupting their day
Borrow up to Php 2 million with just one payslip required
Enjoy fast approval and release

With support from BPI and availability across more than 1,200 BPI and BanKo branches, the Teacher’s Loan ensures that educators can focus on what matters most—their students and their personal well-being.

A Year-Round Commitment

Through meaningful partnerships, relevant financial products, and a steadfast commitment to financial inclusion, LSB continues to honor the nation’s teachers—not just during NTM, but all year round.

For more information about LSB, visit https://www.legazpibank.com.ph.

January 5, 2026 0 comments

Community

Thousands of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University students to benefit from BPI’s financial literacy programs

by Contributor September 23, 2025

written by Contributor

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), has officially entered into a four-year partnership with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) to provide financial education to thousands of students across its four campuses in Negros Occidental.

Through the agreement, BPIF will bring its flagship financial education programs to CHMSU, benefiting nearly 40,000 students over four years.

“We are excited to work together with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University on this initiative. BPIF, together with our partners, recognizes the essential role of financial literacy in achieving greater financial inclusion, which is why we continue to do our best to reach more communities,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.

“We are optimistic that through this program, we can empower more individuals and households in underserved communities with financial knowledge and skills and promote responsible financial behavior for a more financially resilient future,” she added.

This long-term collaboration underscores BPIF’s mission to build financially resilient and empowered communities by working with academic institutions that play a vital role in shaping future generations.

(L-R): BPI Foundation’s Manolo Nava, Senior Program Manager, and Carmina Marquez, Executive Director, with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University’s Norberto Mangalubnan, University President, Marissa Quezon, Dean, College of Business Management and Accountancy, and Rhoderick Samonte, Director for Internationalization and External Relations.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing was attended by key representatives from both institutions. Representing CHMSU were Dr. Norberto Mangulabnan, University President; Rhoderick Samonte, Director for Internationalization and External Relations; and Dr. Marissa Quezon, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy. From BPIF, attendees included Carmina Marquez, Executive Director; Manolo Nava, Senior Program Manager for Financial Education and Arts Management; and Gladys Malapo, Program Manager for Financial Education.

To learn more about BPIF’s financial education programs, visit www.bpifoundation.org or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).

September 23, 2025 0 comments

Business Community

BPI strengthens 370 microbusinesses in Rizal and key VisMin provinces

by Contributor September 2, 2025

written by Contributor

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), rolled out Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab – Business Expansion through Training and Application (SEAL-BETA) in various provinces across the country, empowering microbusinesses to accelerate their business and elevate their industry strategies.

In partnership with BPI Direct BanKo and DTI – Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), BPIF provided comprehensive business training and mentorship sessions to 370 microbusinesses from the provinces of Rizal, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Samar, and South Cotabato.

According to Department of Trade and Industry, micro, small, and medium (MSME) enterprises account for 99.63% or 1,241,733 of the business establishments in the country as of 2023. Micro enterprises comprise 90.43% of total establishments, followed by small enterprises at 8.82%, and medium enterprises at 0.38%.

BPI SEAL-BETA is a project specifically designed for micro enterprises to undergo intensive training that covers product diversification, digital payments, costing and pricing, negotiation, and entrepreneurial finance—aligned with BPI’s advocacy to help marginalized communities achieve financial wellness.

“We carried out this initiative recognizing that our microbusinesses, especially those situated in local barangays, have the potential to thrive when equipped with suitable training tailored to their needs. By empowering them to grow and innovate, we believe they can become self-sustaining and deliver services to their customers well,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.

SEAL-BETA entrepreneurs proudly showcase their products and innovations, highlighting the program’s role in fostering growth, creativity, and community impact.

The implementation of the program also provided access to market by showcasing participants’ products and services during a market fair, which generated a total of Php2,250,000 in sales across six provinces. As part of the program, participants pitch their products and services, applying the knowledge gained from the training. Select entrepreneurs were awarded pitch grants of Php25,000 and booth set-up awards of Php20,000.

As of 2024, BPIF has supported 514 enterprises under SEAL-BETA.

Through providing practical learning and application to microbusinesses, BPI affirms its commitment to creating lasting and inclusive impact through sustainable financial education.

For more information, visit https://www.bpifoundation.org/. Follow BPI Foundation on Instagram (@bpifoundationinc) and Facebook (@BPIFoundation) for updates.

September 2, 2025 0 comments

Business Environment

Ayala Group partners with DENR for national greening project

by Contributor August 7, 2025

written by Contributor

THE AYALA Group has joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its goal of ensuring the growth and survival of five million trees by 2028, part of efforts to help Philippine forests thrive again.

In a signing ceremony on Thursday, July 31, Ayala Corporation, ACEN, Ayala Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Globe Telecom Inc. committed to supporting the DENR’s Forests for Life initiative through land allocation, tree planting and maintenance activities.

“It is only through collaborating with government and similar-minded peers in the private sector that we can truly create a natural environment that every Filipino deserves. May this partnership be a template of many more meaningful engagements with the DENR to advance the welfare of the environment and promote the responsible use of our natural resources,” said Ayala Corporation vice chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

Ayala Group partners with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the Forests for Life initiative, which aims to revive Philippine forests to restore and protect biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, promote climate resilience, and improve water resources. In photo (L-R): Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David; Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla; Ayala Corporation vice chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala; Ayala Corporation chief sustainability and risk officer Jaime Urquijo; and Ayala Corporation executive director for group sustainability and risk management Ma. Victoria Tan.

Launched in March 2025, the Forests for Life initiative aims to revive the country’s forest cover, restore biodiversity, improve water resources, reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere, and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Philippines currently has only 24 percent of forest cover remaining following centuries of denudation, said Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

To revive deforested areas, the Environment Department is enlisting the help of private sector partners to plant and ensure the survival of five million trees over the next three years.

“The DENR’s partnership with the Ayala Group of Companies is a powerful affirmation that sustainable development is a shared responsibility,” Lotilla said.

“Through the Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 Program, we are combining science and community stewardship to restore critical ecosystems and secure our future. Together, we are not just planting trees – we are investing in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive growth for generations to come,” he said.

Forests for Life is well aligned with the Ayala Group’s long-held principles of stewardship and sustainability. It has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, embedding sustainability in its business operations. It has also prioritized ESG-favorable business transactions, with a total $6.2 billion in sustainable financing as of end 2024. To learn more about Ayala’s sustainability efforts, visit ayala.com/sustainability.

August 7, 2025 0 comments

Community

BPI’s LSB joins Brigada Eskwela nationwide

by Contributor July 3, 2025

written by Contributor

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through Legazpi Savings Bank (LSB), joined the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela initiative by participating in volunteer-driven clean-up and repair efforts in public schools across the country.

Brigada Eskwela highlights the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, with volunteers from various sectors coming together to prepare schools for the upcoming academic year. LSB joined the initiative across host schools representing 16 regions, with a hundred BPI and LSB employees actively participating in activities such as repainting classrooms, cleaning school grounds, and repairing basic facilities—demonstrating the Bank’s strong commitment to nation-building, employee engagement, and social responsibility.

Through accessible and affordable financial services, LSB empowers teachers to achieve their personal and professional goals.

This initiative is aligned with BPI’s vision of empowering teachers and students alike. Through LSB, BPI provides accessible and affordable financial services to educators while also supporting learners beyond academics, creating a more inclusive and enabling learning environment.

In 2024, LSB recorded a 41% increase in loan releases, a strong indicator of growing trust and demand. With its Teacher’s Loan offer now available in over 1,000 BPI and BanKo branches nationwide, the bank anticipates even stronger performance in 2025.

By taking part in Brigada Eskwela, LSB not only supports the improvement of school facilities but also reinforces the role of volunteerism in driving sustainable development and uplifting communities.

For more information on LSB and its products, visit https://www.legazpibank.com.ph/.

July 3, 2025 0 comments