BDO supports Peñafrancia pilgrims in Naga

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) recently joined the faithful in Naga City during the September celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival, extending a simple gesture of care by providing free umbrellas to pilgrims as they took part in the annual devotion.

“Peñafrancia is about faith, family, and community. We are honored to stand with the Church and local volunteers to help keep devotees—especially seniors and children—safer and more comfortable on their journey,” said Genie T. Gloria, Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance, Transaction Banking at BDO. “As many Bicolano families have loved ones working overseas, this is also our way of saying salamatand affirming that we’re with you—rain or shine.”

BDO is with you—rain or shine. BDO recently joined the faithful in Naga City by extending a simple gesture of care and gave free umbrellas to Peñafrancia pilgrims. The umbrellas embodied BDO’s Alagang Kabayan commitment, and provided devotees with protection from both sun and rain, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: their devotion to “Ina” and the shared spirit of community that defines the Peñafrancia Festival.

 

September often brings rain to Naga, adding both beauty and challenge to the Traslación and fluvial processions, where thousands walk shoulder to shoulder in devotion. By distributing umbrellas during these major events, BDO hopes to provide pilgrims with protection from both sun and rain, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: their devotion and the shared spirit of community that defines the Peñafrancia Festival.

 

 

 

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Cash Agad turns local stores into financial lifelines

 

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play an important role in the Philippine economy, and their impact continues to grow. Beyond providing essential goods, many MSMEs now serve as vital banking access points for rural communities, especially in remote areas.

 

Through Cash Agad, a service offered by BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), MSMEs such as mini grocery stores, water refilling stations, hardware stores, and pharmacies have evolved into convenient and secure locations for banking transactions. Customers can withdraw cash, check their savings account balances, pay bills, and make deposits using these establishments’ point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

 

Breaking the 'Alkansya Mentality'

Cash Agad empowers both customers and MSMEs within the community. Jaime M. Nasol, Senior Vice President and Head of Agency Banking at BDO, explains how Cash Agad exemplifies the Bank's commitment to reaching more Filipinos nationwide, especially in underserved areas.

 

When BDO launched Cash Agad in 2017, around 70% of Filipinos lacked formal banking relationships. Many hesitated to open accounts because visiting a bank was a long and expensive journey.

 

 

"Imagine living in a remote community two hours away from the nearest bank. What happens? Your hard-earned money ends up saved in a coin bank. This is the 'alkansya mentality,’ and it kept many Filipinos from opening bank accounts," Jaime M. Nasol, BDO Senior Vice President and Head of Agency Banking, shared.

 

 

To address this challenge, BDO partnered with local businesses, enabling MSMEs to act as Cash Agad partner-agents and provide essential banking services to their communities. Customers can conduct financial transactions at their neighborhood sari-sari store without spending hours traveling to the nearest bank.

 

"There are areas where people live two hours away from a bank, and the fare can be costly. Instead of spending P100 on transportation, they can visit a local sari-sari store and pay a small P30 convenience fee to withdraw money, saving both time and money," he noted.

 

Empowering MSMEs, strengthening economic growth 

 

For MSMEs, serving as Cash Agad partner-agents opens up an additional income stream while increasing customer traffic to their businesses. The communities also benefit from the increased cash circulation, as residents no longer need to leave their barangay for financial transactions. 

Extra money source. Cash Agad provides MSMEs like sari-sari stores with additional revenue streams.

 

“These partner-agents act as the bank's representatives in their communities, inspiring residents to save for their future. They are, in essence, ‘the BDO’ in their barangay,” Nasol added. 

 

BDO sees these establishments as key partners, forming an interconnected network that drives financial growth in rural areas. Through Cash Agad partner-agents, individuals can open savings accounts and access basic banking services, ensuring economic opportunities reach even remote communities.

 

You too can become a Cash Agad partner-agent. With BDO, you not only boost your business, you also provide convenience and the security of bank services to your community. To learn more, visit your nearest BDO branch or www.bdo.com.ph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BDO Wins Best Cash Management Solution in the PH

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) won the Best Cash Management Solution in the Philippines award at the 16th Annual Best Deal and Solution Awards 2022. BDO was recognized for its collections solutions for the Bank’s client, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), known to be among the world’s top 10 global terminal operators. The award was given by Alpha Southeast Asia, an institutional investment publication focused on Southeast Asia which includes the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

BDO Unibank wins the Best Cash Management Solution in the Philippines award at Alpha Southeast Asia’s16th Annual Best Deal and Solution Awards 2022.

  

BDO has consistently been providing innovative solutions specific to the institutional client’s need in managing their cash flow requirements through the Bank’s efficient payments and collections processes supported by its enhanced digital technology.

 

The Collections Facility which allows Real-time Settlement and Notification of each payment received enables the Bank to fully cover the reconciliation and matching requirements of ICTSI’s customs and duties processes. From big shipping companies and brokers to sole proprietors, each of these ICTSI clients can now pay their fees and duties through the Bank’s digital platforms --- Business Online Banking (BOB) and Personal Online Banking (POB), as well as over the counter (OTC) at any BDO branch, the network with the widest coverage in the country.

 

“Our partnership with ICTSI embodies our philosophy of ‘We Find Ways.’ This solution helps ICTSI customers save on port charges, as their dues are settled faster and goods are released quicker. ICTSI, on the other hand, also benefits from faster payment reconciliation and quicker turnover of goods on their ports. This solution focuses on giving the rich payment information quicker while also speeding up the movement of cash in real-time manner,”said Carlo Nazareno, Senior Vice President and head of Cash Management Services of BDO Unibank.   

 

BDO is the country’s largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management. The Bank has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,600 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,600 ATMs nationwide, and has 16 international offices in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The bank also offers extensive digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients. 

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PH needs to empower more women consumers, entrepreneurs to drive economic growth

The Philippines has made progress in promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, but much work remains to be done. 

While more women are able to pay for major purchases and women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are on the rise, they continue to face significant challenges in accessing financing, technologies, and markets that will allow them to invest in and venture into entrepreneurship.

Miyu Lavarro manages the day-to-day operations of Jabella Café. It was through BDO Network Bank’s Kabuhayan Loan that Jabella Café was able to restart after its shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

At the CNN Philippines’ #EmbraceEquity Women’s Summit, BDO Vice President and Head of Sustainability Marla Garin-Alvarez shared insights on how women consumers and entrepreneurs drive the growth of MSMEs in the Philippines. She shared that 48% of BDO’s auto loans and home loans are by women clients, yet vehicles and homes are often marketed primarily to men. She highlighted that a majority of BDO’s MSME clients are women-owned, with women accounting for 66% of their total client base.

“We need to ensure that women are able to explore opportunities for them to contribute to the economy. We are proud that we support women as consumers and as entrepreneurs through products and services offered by BDO,” Garin-Alvarez said.

Garin-Alvarez explained that while women are represented in the workforce and leadership, there is still a gap in women’s wealth accumulation. Women need both financial services and non-financial services such as financial literacy in banking, investments, inheritance, and property ownership to help them build wealth.  

Garin-Alvarez also added that from BDO’s experience, women entrepreneurs have a better repayment history. She emphasized that providing adequate support to women entrepreneurs is crucial to encourage more of them to venture into entrepreneurship that brings growth to the economy. 

Greater collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and the private sector should be established to create a more enabling environment for women consumers and entrepreneurs. This includes providing access to finance, mentoring, training, and networking opportunities that will help women consumers be more financially independent and women entrepreneurs to start or to scale their businesses.

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Branch expansion help boosts job creation in PH

While many Filipinos are going abroad to find a job, there are still many employment opportunities in the country that await job seekers with the continued expansion of businesses in various industries. 

According to the latest Labor Force Survey, employment rate increased to 95.5% in October 2022. 

BDO’s community bank BDO Network Bank, for one, continues to reach remote communities through branch expansion in the provinces. Over 800 job positions which include branch heads, service officers, account officers and marketing assistants are waiting to be filled to support the 106 branches and loan offices the bank opened in 2022. 

“Providing opportunities to local talents from different communities will not only support the growth of BDO Network Bank, but it will also help propel the country’s economy,” shared Jesus Antonio S. Itchon, president of BDO Network Bank (BDONB).  More job vacancies are expected to be announced as BDO Network Bank plans to open additional 100 branches nationwide this year.  

Opportunity to live and work near loved ones 

For Rikko Martin Guillermo, BDO Network Bank Lahug, Cebu branch -Management officer, being assigned to his hometown helps him manage his finances well.

BDO Network Bank intends to help every kababayan find a job in their hometown and be near with their families. 

Rikko Martin Guillermo, network management officer of BDO Network Bank-Lahug, Cebu is one example. 

“I am very thankful to BDO Network Bank for allowing me to be assigned here in Lahug, Cebu City office. I am now able to manage my finances because I live with my loved ones,” shared Rikko.   

BDO Network Bank Sultan Kudarat branch account representative Allan Mark Nobleza is thankful to the bank for giving him the opportunity to be transferred to a branch near his family, allowing him to be more productive at work.

Allan Mark Nobleza, a former credit assistant at BDO Network Bank Makati office, has likewise expressed his gratitude to the bank for giving him an opportunity to work at its branch in Sultan Kudarat, Esperanza as an account representative. 

His transfer back to his hometown is a big help as he no longer worries about his parents, making him more productive at work. 

“I am happy that I can go home to my family every day,” said he said. 

For those interested to be part of BDO Network Bank, visit BDO Network Bank official FB page (https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH ) for the list of job vacancies. 

Resumes or CVs may be sent to the email addresses assigned per location. Just follow the subject or title format below:

<position you are applying for>,<Location>,<Name>

Example: Field Sales Officer_Tagbilaran_Juan Dela Cruz

NCR & Central Luzon: devera.michelle@bdo.com.ph

North Luzon: stodomingo.marianovita@bdo.com.ph

South Luzon: malinao.eunice@bdo.com.ph

Visayas: clitar.jojean@bdo.com.ph

Mindanao: bagares.marymagdalene@bdo.com.ph

BDO Network Bank does not require payment of fees for job application. To ensure your safety and security, contact only the authorized BDONB HR officers or send a private message to BDO Network Bank’s official facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH).

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Kabuhayan Loan ng BDO Network Bank, katulong sa pag-asenso ng MSMEs, Overseas Filipinos at kanilang pamilya

Isinagawa ng BDO Network Bank (BDONB) ang kanilang Go Negosyo talk show na pinamagatang ““Kayang-kaya Kabayan” nitong Biyernes, June 4 (Watch HERE). Layunin ng talk show na magbahagi ng financial management tips at valuable insights pagdating sa mga sustainable at adaptable business opportunities hindi lamang para sa mga local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), kundi pati na rin sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at kanilang mga beneficiaries.

Pinangunahan ni SME Advocate Josie Conlu ang talakayan tungkol iba’t-ibang financial challenges na kinakaharap ng ating mga OFWs abroad. Nagbahagi rin siya ng mga opportunities na maari nilang subukan pagkatapos nitong pandemya.

Naroon din si Randell Tiongson, isang registered financial planner and advocate ng Life & Personal Finance, na nagbahagi ng preparedness at adaptability tips kung paano ba i-manage ang income at kung papaano mag-impok para sa emergency funds. Kabilang dito ang pag-shift sa mga essential business, paggamit ng online platforms, at pagdagdag ng stocks.

Napag-usapan din ang importansya ng MSMEs sa pagpapalago ng lokal at nasiyonal na ekonomiya.

 “Ang pag-unlad ng Pilipinas ay nakasalalay sa pagsulong ng mga MSMEs. Sa paglago ng mga MSMEs, gaganda ang kinabukasan nila at ng kanilang pamilya. Dahil dito, tinatawag na “growth engine” ng ekonomiya ang mga MSMEs,” ani BDONB Senior Vice President and MSME Group Head Karen Cua.

Dagdag pa niya, ang mga MSMEs ay ang nagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya ng ating mga komunidad dahil nakapagbibigay ito ng trabaho, mga produkto, at mga serbisyong kailangan sa pang araw-araw.

Ayon sa  data ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, ang MSMEs ay isang kritikal na sector ng ating bansa dahil they account for 99.5% ng business enterprises, 62.4% ng total employment, at 35.7% ng gross value added. Maliban dito, sila rin ay nagsisilbing valuable partners at suppliers ng mga malalaking enterprise.

Kaya’t patuloy na sinusuportahan ng BDONB ang mga MSMEs upang mapanatili at mapalago ang kanilang operasyon sa gitna ng pandemya.

Ang dating OF na si Ernesto Abad, isang electrician na nagtrabaho sa Saudi Arabia, ay nagbahagi ng kanyang kwento kung paano nakatulong ang BDONB at ang Kabuhayan Loan sa kanyang pamilya at sa kanilang negosyo lalo na ngayong pandemya.

“Dahil sa sitwasyon ng lockdown, ang buwanang padala ng asawa ko na nasa abroad ay natigil, kaya’t napakaganda ng pag-alok sa akin ng BDO [Network Bank] upang maipagpatuloy ko ‘yung aking negosyo kahit sa panahon ng pandemic,” ani Abad. 

Bilang isang trusted partner ng mga MSMEs sa business growth at sustainability, handog ng BDONB ang Kabuhayan Loan upang mabigyan ang mga MSMEs ng access sa additional capital at investment para sa kanilang stocks, sa pag-expand at pagpapalago ng kanilang negosyo.at sa pagbili ng mga business assets gaya ng delivery trucks at iba pang kailangang equipment.

Ang Kabuhayan Loan ay mayroong mabilis at simpleng application process para sa pagpapa-utang sa mga negosyante ng mula P30,000 hanggang P1,000,000 na hindi nangangailangan ng collateral. May installment options ito na 12 months hanggang 24 months, depende sa kakayahan ng isang borrower magbayad. Meron din itong kaakibat na Credit Life Insurance na nagsisilbing proteksyon ng pamilya laban sa financial burden.

Ang BDO Kabuhayan loan ay available sa lahat ng BDONB branches (see list below). Para ma-qualify sa loan, ang borrower ay dapat mayroon existing na negosyo for at least three years at nagge-generate ito ng weekly sales na di bababa sa P15,000. Magsubmit lamang ng isang valid ID, business permit, at proof of sales.  Maaari ring mag-apply online via  www.bdonetworkbank.com.ph. 

Mula May 17 hanggang July 16, 2021, 30 lucky applicants ang mananalo ng Kabuhayan Package na tig-P10,000 worth of grocery goods o SM appliances. Para sa mga inquiries tungkol sa promo, mag-send lamang ng private message sa BDO Network Bank PH Facebook page o bisitahin ang www.bdonetworkbank.com.ph/kabuhayan-loan.

BDONB Branches in CamSur

BDO Network Bank Naga - ROMAR BLDG. 2, CALLE CACERES CORNER ELIAS ANGELES ST. BRGY. DINAGA, NAGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR

BDO Network Bank Sipocot - UNIT A, NVS & SONS CORP. BLDG., SAN JUAN AVE., BRGY. NORTH CENTRO, SIPOCOT, CAMARINES SUR

BDO Network Bank Tigaon - G/F, LIM BLDG., REAL ST., BRGY. POBLACION, TIGAON, CAMARINES SUR

BDONB Branches in CamNorte

BDO Network Bank Daet - LORNA S. ARCANGEL BLDG., P2, BRGY. VI, BAGASBAS ROAD, DAET, CAMARINES NORTE

Image Source: bdonetworkbank.com/ph/kabuhayan-loan 

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