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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A smile-worthy success, thanks to the right bank partner

Dentist transforms dental care in Albay through BDO multipurpose loan

 

In the scenic city of Legazpi, Albay, a six-month visit in 1998 turned into a lifelong mission for Dr. Edgar Salvosa, Jr. Born into a family of dentists, Dr. Salvosa arrived in Bicol with limited expectations. But the warmth of the Bicolanos and a nearby bank partner changed everything. 

 

Recognizing the community's need for dental care, Dr. Salvosa opened a small clinic with just one dental chair. As his practice flourished, so did his relationship with his trusted bank, BDO Unibank. That bond proved instrumental to his growth and success. 

 

"The people behind the BDO branch made all the difference," he shared. From savings accounts to investments and home loans, the Bank was there every step of the way.

A lasting partnership. Dr. Edgar Salvosa found steadfast support in Bicolanos and his bank partner in BDO

through the years. 

 

When the time came to expand, Dr. Salvosa sought guidance from his branch manager, James Verdida. He revisited a long-unused property and applied for a BDO Multipurpose Loan to build a new clinic and commercial spaces. "James walked me through the business and the return on my investment. The land was just sitting there. After our talk, I knew it was time I used it,” he recalled.

 

Grateful for the community’s kindness and support, Dr. Salvosa has committed to giving back. He invested in cutting-edge equipment to offer the best dental care to his patients.

 

To this day, Dr. Salvosa speaks highly of his bank partner. “BDO is always there for me, even beyond banking hours,” he remarked. “Its commitment to client care is something I always share with others.” For him, BDO isn't just a bank—it's a true partner in building dreams.

 

As Dr. Salvosa continues to brighten smiles, his story is a testament to what’s possible when community and collaboration come together. To discover how you can build your legacy, visit your nearest BDO branch or explore www.bdo.com.ph today.

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BDO Fiesta celebrates loyalty of clients across generations

Long-time clients join BDO Fiesta in Bicolandia and affirm choice of bank partner

Kun tama an saimong katuwang na bangko maheheling mo an pagtalubo kan saimong mga pangaturogan sa pag agi kan panahon. Ini an katotohanan para sa mga pamilya kan haloyon nang kliyente ninda, Atty Sylki Balagtas asin Emily Yao. 

 

(When you have the right bank partner, you can watch your dreams become reality through generations.  This is certainly true for the families of long-time clients Atty. Sylki Balagtas and Emily Yao.) 

 

They came to lend their support to the first-ever BDO Fiesta held in the Bicol region.  Organized by the country’s leading bank, BDO Fiesta is a fun and engaging venue for clients and prospects to discover its wide range of products and services, as well as access financial tools and opportunities to grow their money and expand their businesses.  

 

Finding ways to welcome Balikbayans home

 

For over a decade, Atty. Balagtas, her husband, and more recently, their only son have been loyal customers of BDO.  “When we arrived from the States in 2014, BDO was the only bank that immediately helped us open bank accounts and build a credit history,” Atty. Balagtas recalled. 

 

From a savings account, they applied for an auto loan, then a home loan when they finally decided to make the Philippines their home for good. Over time, they added another auto loan and expanded their portfolio to include credit cards and insurance products.  

 

Beyond their personal banking needs, Atty. Balagtas also put her trust in BDO for her law practice in Legazpi City.  “My clients pay their fees to my BDO account, and I also transfer the salaries of my employees to their online BDO accounts.”  

“We’re frequent visitors to the branch, coming 2 to 3 times a week.  I also use the digital services ever since BDO started it.  Ang dami n’yo pang bago ngayon, it’s so cool. It’s easy for me to track my financial records.  BDO really helped us when we first came to the Philippines and everytime we need something, they would find ways and we feel well taken care of.”

BDO helped us build our home.  Balikbayan Atty. Sylki Balagtas is grateful for BDO helping them settle in the Philippines by financing their family home when they first arrived from the United States.  

Nurturing the next generation 

 

Emily Yao’s family are also generational clients and frequent visitors to their BDO branch.  She and her husband run a growing business that counts BDO as their trusted bank partner.  As their suppliers are also BDO clients, they transact heavily with the bank and are very happy with the personalized service.

 

During a visit to the branch, Emily was with her daughter Johana and a friendly teller invited her to open a Junior Savers account.  Johana gladly accepted as she is quite entrepreneurial, starting her own crafts and accessories business at just 6 years old.  Now at 8, her Junior Savers holds her business earnings plus cash gifts from family members and godparents.  

 

“I highly recommend for parents to open a Junior Savers account for their children.  Not only do they start saving at a young age, but they also learn the value of money and become sensitive to spending wisely,” shared mommy Emily.

At the BDO Fiesta, there were many more clients like Atty. Balagtas and Emily and Johana Yao, who are fulfilling their dreams one by one with the right bank partner.

Alden Richards with big fan Johana Yao.  At the recently-held BDO Fiesta at SM City Legazpi, Junior Savers client Johana Yao realized another wish – meeting her idol Alden Richards.

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BDO empowers Bicolano families to save, grow, and secure their future

BDO Unibank, Inc (BDO) brings practical, affordable banking solutions closer to Bicolano families — helping them grow their savings, plan for the future, and secure their golden years.

Banking for every family’s need. With BDO, you can grow your money, fulfil your dreams for your loved ones, and even secure your golden years, through comprehensive financial solutions at your favorite branch.

 

Whether you’re in the heart of Naga, the bustling city of Legazpi, or in nearby provinces across the region, BDO makes it easier for every family member — from toddlers to retirees — to take charge of their finances through simple, value-packed savings options available at your trusted local branch.

 

Planning to open bank accounts for the whole family? Why not make the smart choice where you and your loved ones can grow your money at every life stage? From early saving habits to retirement plans, there is a trusted financial solution for every family’s need.

 

With BDO, you have a wide range of bank products designed for baby to lola. Whether you are managing household expenses, teaching your kids about saving, or planning for your golden years, BDO finds ways to make the most out of your family’s future with ease.

 

Dream big for your little ones

 

Give your children, nephews, nieces or any little one you love a head start on their dreams with a BDO Junior Savers account. Available for kids up to 12 years old, open an account with as little as P100. The maintaining balance is also only P100, and the account will start earning interest when the funds reach P2,000 or higher. BDO Junior Savers account is a smart start for kids to learn the value of saving.

 

Spend smart, save smarter

 

With BDO Smart Checking account, you can issue payments with checks while enjoying the convenience of a debit card. Plus, unlike other checking accounts, your funds can earn interest. It’s also easy to monitor your transactions and you have online access whenever you need it and from wherever you are. 

 

Staying connected even from far away

 

Family is the driving force of most Overseas Filipinos. If you work abroad, make the experience easier with the BDO Kabayan Savings account. For an initial minimum deposit of only P100, you can get an ATM debit card and a passbook—not just for yourself, but for the entire family back home. This makes it easier to send remittances. No maintaining balance required, and your account will start earning interest when the balance reaches P5,000.

 

Financial security during golden years

 

Look forward to your retirement with BDO Prime Savers account. Or get this account for your parents and elderly relatives. Open and maintain a balance of at least P2,000, and earn interest by maintaining P5,000 or higher. Get special foreign exchange rates and priority handling when you visit any of BDO’s over 1,200 branches across the country. BDO Prime Savers account is an affordable way to save for the golden years.

 

Begin growing your family’s money today with the right financial solution for every life stage by opening a Junior Savers, Smart Checking, Kabayan Savings, or Prime Savers account.

Visit your nearest BDO branch and explore the Account Assist Machines or approach any one of the friendly bank officers and staff. You can also conveniently open an account online here: www.bdo.com.ph/apply.

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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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Get the best of digital and personal banking, your way

Who says you must choose between the ease of digital banking and face-to-face service? With BDO Unibank (BDO), you can enjoy both. It’s digital when you want it, personal when you need it.

Go digital in the BDO branch. Step into an enhanced branch experience at your favorite BDO branch in Bicolandia. 

At BDO, everything is designed to make your banking experience easy, simple, and secure. Here are some digital innovations to expect at any BDO branch in the Bicol region:

Service Assist Machine. Say goodbye to manual forms. Enter transactions digitally, sit back, and wait to be called.  

Account Assist Machine. Opening a new account? Simply fill out your details on-screen to get started.

Online branch booking. Skip the line by scheduling your bank visit ahead of time at www.bdo.com.ph/book-your-visit. Enter your transaction details, save the QR, and drop by the branch at your preferred time.  

Need help with financial decisions? BDO branches are also a great place to get personalized advice—whether you plan to save, invest, get insured, or improve your business efficiency. Nothing beats speaking to an expert in person, especially when it’s with the country’s trusted bank.

With over 1,200 branches nationwide, including nearly 75 BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank branches in Bicol alone, the choice is yours right when you need it. You can bank your way, whether you need someone to talk to or prefer to bank through self-service machines. 

"Our customers are always a step ahead because we give them control through digital innovations, and care through in-person customer service,” shares Cora A. Mallillin, Head of Branch Banking Group at BDO. “It’s all about finding ways to make your BDO journey easy, simple, and secure.” 

Wherever you may be in the country, a new branch experience is waiting for you. To check your nearest BDO branch, visit the Find a Branch or ATM page at www.bdo.com.ph.

 

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BDO Life urges Filipinos to rethink their Plan B

From 83% to 54%: Why Fewer Filipinos Prioritize Life Insurance

Only 5 out of every 10 breadwinners in the National Capital Region, Cebu, and Davao consider life insurance as important. This is based on a recent market survey by BDO Life and research network Acorn. More alarming is the declining sense of urgency even after the pandemic. From 83% in 2022, the 2024 survey shows only 54% of respondents believe owning protection is important.

Plan B is more than just a backup plan—it's a lasting promise that your family’s future stays protected even when life takes an unexpected turn.

The most cited reason why insurance penetration remains low is budget constraints. Many individuals prioritize more pressing bills over securing their future. Yet in the face of death, accident, or calamity, life insurance is not an option but a selfless act of putting loved ones first.

 

By being present at BDO branches nationwide, BDO Life has made life insurance more accessible to customers. While information is readily available online, many still prefer to speak with insurance specialists. This puts BDO Life’s Financial Advisors in a positive position to become lifelong financial partners of clients.

 

In these heartfelt stories, Financial Advisors share real-life experiences of beneficiaries who were shielded from life’s unexpected storms because they had a ‘Plan B.’

 

Being Ready with a Plan B if Plan A fails

 

BDO Life Financial Advisor Jimmy recalled an incident during a family outing when a client was involved in a vehicular accident, and sadly, did not survive. In a fateful coincidence, his wife found out he had life insurance only a month before, when he asked her to pay the premium. She wrote to say, “Akala mo di mo kailangan, pero kailangan mo pala. Dati para sa akin, dagdag expenses lang.”

 

BDO Life Financial Advisor Jonah shared a similar story that shows how unpredictable life is. "Nakita ko na kahit healthy ang isang tao, death can happen anytime.” One of her clients, who owned a water refilling station and construction firm, was gone too soon. Thankfully, he had a Plan B in place. Using the proceeds of his life insurance policy, his family was able to keep his businesses running. In turn, his family was able to continue receiving income and maintain their standard of living, even if he was no longer in the picture. 

 

The concept of having a Plan B is something BDO Life Financial Advisor Randy stresses to his clients. “We all have a Plan A, which consists of our present standard of living, as well as our plans and dreams for the future. But life has so many risks, anytime pwedeng may mangyaring hindi inaasahan.”

 

"It’s our job as Financial Advisors to help clients recognize the need a Plan B para ma-protektahan ang pamilya financially for unexpected events, at hindi ma-disrupt ang Plan A.” This was the case of one of his clients, who had the foresight to invest in a Plan B to ensure his children can finish their studies no matter what.

 

“You owe your loved ones a Plan B that will allow them to move on in life when you’ve ceased to be in the picture,” said BDO Life President and CEO Renato Vergel De Dios. “That takes tremendous financial maturity and responsibility to recognize that life insurance isn’t an optional choice. It’s the financially smart thing to do.”  

 

Time to start your Plan B conversation with BDO Life today. Visit your nearest BDO branch to speak with a BDO Life Financial Advisor. You can also visit BDO Life’s website at www.bdo.com.ph/bdo-life to explore life insurance solutions and get premium quotes based on your financial goals and budget.

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Payroll efficiency matters: How three businesses upgraded theirs with BDO

Payroll efficiency matters

How three businesses upgraded theirs with BDO 

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), managing payroll can be a time-consuming and daunting task. Calculating salaries, handling taxes, and releasing bi-monthly pay can be prone to errors, especially when done manually. By choosing the right bank, businesses can streamline payroll management, freeing up time for growth expansion without distractions. 

Three SMEs—spanning beauty and wellness, real estate, and freight forwarding—turned to BDO Unibank's Cash Management Services (CMS) for effective payroll systems, each using digital tools for more seamless operations and financial management.  

 

Peace of mind. Prioré Beauty and Wellness can now relax knowing their payroll is automated.

Prioré Beauty and Wellness: Reducing payroll stress

Prioré Beauty and Wellness Center, a company advocating self-care, is not immune to payroll-related stress, taking a chunk out of its staff’s personal time. Finance Head Cherry Mia Lamanosa is left to handle all the load of issuing checks and approving payroll disbursements. "I had to sacrifice weekends to handle our payroll and check disbursements manually for our suppliers." 

The beauty industry demands continuous learning, making efficiency crucial to remain competitive. "There are always new treatment methods to learn or equipment to invest in. Most of the time, deliveries happen on a weekend so I have to go to the clinic to take care of that," Lamanosa lamented. 

Thanks to BDO Business Online Banking, Prioré’s processing of salaries and checks is no longer tedious, allowing Lamanosa to focus on business growth and personal well-being. 

Upgraded. Sequioa Inn signs up for a better payroll experience with BDO.

Sequioa Inn: Cutting payroll time in half

Hotel chain Sequoia Inn initially enrolled in the bank’s digital solutions before the pandemic hit but had to pause operations due to lockdowns.  

Now, co-owner Stephanie Lynn Hao is ready to reintegrate into the modern system and expects to cut its payroll time from two hours to less than 60 minutes. "Manually inserting cash into envelopes took me around two hours to complete. With BDO’s payroll system, I can do it in way less than an hour."

Remote management also became crucial especially when Hao had to negotiate with suppliers while abroad. "I had to talk to the vendors if we could delay the issuance of checks. Thanks to BDO, I can now disburse checks even while traveling,” she added.

World Concord International: Promoting better financial habits

Emylin Ubaldo, owner of freight forwarding and brokerage firm World Concord International, considers her business as an opportunity to help employees especially in advancing their careers. She sees payroll automation as a tool for financial empowerment. 

A win-win for everyone. With an automated payroll, employees of World Concord International get their own bank account.

If the salaries are in the ATM, employees become more mindful of their spending. When they receive their bonuses, they can easily keep track of how much they have in their account. Seeing their hard-earned money grow encourages them to save more as against spending it right away,” Ubaldo noted.

By adopting the bank’s digital solutions, these SMEs achieved three levels of success: improved operational efficiency, mental well-being, and financial discipline among staff through innovation and secure banking. To know more about how BDO CMS can help SMEs thrive, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph or the nearest BDO branch in your area

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