BPI makes banking easier for communities with BPI On-The-Move program

As the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) marks its 175th year, BPI continues to advance its commitment of building a better Philippines by making financial services more accessible, relevant, and embedded in everyday life, especially for underserved and unbanked Filipinos.

[Center] BPI’s Head of Consumer Segments Marketing Geraldine “Gerrie” Alcuaz and Head of Consumer Banking Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Head of Partnerships Unit Huber Brocales, champion inclusive banking as BPI OnTheMove brings essential financial services to  Naga City residents.

 

Central to this commitment is BPI’s financial inclusion program anchored on BPI On-The-Move, a mobile platform designed to bring essential financial services directly to communities.

The sustainably made, fully equipped mobile banking unit —a dedicated bus— launched in Naga City on January 26 serves as a one-stop financial hub, allowing individuals and small business owners to conveniently access BPI services on-site, including opening of digital and regular savings accounts, registration to BPI’s e-wallet VYBE, and application to various cards, insurance, and loan products.

“Our BPI On-The-Move bus is a one-stop shop for all these needs. We’ve simplified the processes and lowered the barriers so that you can begin your financial journey with total confidence,” said Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, Head of Consumer Banking, BPI.

As part of its broader inclusion efforts, BPI, through microfinance arm BanKo, is also conducting financial wellness sessions for Naga City local government unit (LGU) employees, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge for effective money management.

BPI On-The-Move makes its first stop in Naga City, Camarines Sur, bringing accessible and on-ground financial services to more communities. 

Aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) financial inclusion framework, BPI On-The-Move focuses on empowering both the underserved—those whose financial needs are not fully met despite having access to banking—and the unbanked, who remain outside the formal financial system. 

“I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mayor Leni Robredo, our esteemed LGU officials, and the hardworking employees of the Naga City government. You are at the front lines of community service, and we recognize that your leadership is the key to our shared aspiration: making lives better through genuine economic progress,” said Go. 

This 2026, BPI will continue to partner with more LGUs and communities, forging stronger local partnerships to scale targeted financial education programs, and increased on-ground engagement nationwide.

“Ultimately, everything we do is driven by BPI’s vision of Building a Better Philippines, one family and one community at a time,” Go added.

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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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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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EastWest Ageas Insurance Strengthens Presence in Luzon with Three Successful Agency House Openings

Manila, May 15, 2025 – EastWest Ageas Insurance, the fastest growing insurer in the country, kicked off 2025 with three successful agency house openings in Makati City, Angeles City in Pampanga, and Naga City in Camarines Sur. This expansion will help more Filipinos in Metro Manila and the surrounding regions achieve their purpose for their people. This strategic move will also strengthen its current sales forces by recruiting talent to help spread its PURPLE (Purpose + People)  message throughout the Philippines. 

(L-R) EastWest Ageas executives Sjoeard Smeets, President and CEO of EastWest Ageas together with Marlon Vicente, Chief Agency Officer of EastWest Ageas and Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer of EastWest Ageas at the opening of EastWest Ageas Naga Agency house

Making insurance accessible for more Filipinos

Through its Luzon expansion, EastWest Ageas can reach out to more potential policyholders and guide them on the path to financial security. The three newly opened agency houses offer policyholders various insurance plans, including the new Life Advantage, Future Assure, and Future Assure MAX. 

“Our goal is to root ourselves where our people are,” EastWest Ageas Insurance President and CEO Sjoerd Smeets shares. “By opening our agency houses in key strategic locations, we get to bring our brand of financial solutions and advice closer to the customers. We want to make insurance easy to understand and appreciate for more Filipinos.” 

Growing in grassroots 

EastWest Ageas’ Luzon expansion will also provide career opportunities to Filipinos eager to start a career in financial consultancy. 

“Strengthening our sales force is a top priority for us this year,” shares Chief Agency Officer Marlon Vicente. . “A good sales force can drive and define our success, and a great one can propel us further and higher in the industry. And who else can best understand the needs of their community than those who live in and love them?” 

This localized approach of spreading EastWest Ageas Insurance’s PURPLE message has seen success in the market with strong profit returns for the business. This will also be replicated throughout the country in other key cities such as Cebu and Davao. 

PURPLE for the Philippines 

The three agency house openings for EastWest Ageas Insurance mark the company’s drive to serve Filipinos looking to pursue their purpose for the people that matter most to them.

“Our mission as an insurance company is really to help people,” Vicente explains. “And we are fueled by that drive to paint the Philippines with our brand of PURPLE so that more Filipinos can achieve a life that they deserve with protection that’s uncomplicated and works for them.” 

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Financial Security, Closer to Home: EastWest Ageas Insurance Opens Doors in Naga

Naga City, Camarines Sur, February 10, 2025 – For many Filipinos, securing their financial future can feel like a distant goal — something to think about "later." But what if expert financial guidance was within your reach? EastWest Ageas Insurance, one of the fast-rising insurance providers in the Philippines, is making that a reality with the opening of its first agency house in Naga City. This is the second agency opening of the insurance provider outside Metro Manila, marking a major step in EastWest Ageas Insurance’s mission to help more Filipinos take control of their financial future—bringing expert advice, insurance solutions, and investment guidance closer to home.

EastWest Ageas Insurance opens its agency house in Naga City to provide financial solutions to more customers in the Bicol region. In the photo: Sjoerd Smeets, President & CEO, Marlon Vicente, Chief Agency Officer and Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer

The Naga agency house will serve as the hub of EastWest Ageas Insurance’s financial consultants. This will allow the insurance provider to connect with interested policyholders throughout the Bicol Region.

“We strive to extend our reach and touch more Filipinos,” shares Sjoerd Smeets, President and CEO of EastWest Ageas Insurance. “And with our agency house opening here in Naga, we are living up to our promise of helping more Filipinos build a financially secure tomorrow. We’ll be even more accessible to those who want to have expert financial advice and solutions that can protect their life, wealth, and health.” 

The newly-opened Naga hub will also allow EastWest Ageas Insurance to pursue its advocacy of spreading financial literacy. “For us to make a real impact, we plan to clear up misconceptions about financial literacy. We want to help more Filipinos understand that securing their financial future is more than just having a savings account or insurance –– it’s really about how they spend their money to bring them closer to their financial goals,” explains Marlon Vicente, EastWest Ageas Insurance Chief Agency Officer. 

To support this effort, EastWest Ageas Insurance held a client forum with expert speakers who shared the basics of investing and how to best maximize investments with a reliable insurance provider’s financial solutions. EastWest Ageas Insurance’s Investment Head, Mitch Lumabi and Product Management Head, Jessa Cuaresma led the forum.

This investment forum was held at the Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga, and was attended by select clients and VIPs.

“At EastWest Ageas Insurance, we strive to make investing and getting protected with insurance simple, more accessible, and easy to understand,” says Greg Martin, EastWest Ageas Insurance’s Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer. “Our ultimate goal is to cultivate even deeper and stronger ties, not just with the people of Naga, but with all Filipinos who are keen on building their better tomorrow. And we’ll be there ready to help them all the way.”

The EastWest Ageas Insurance agency house is located on the 2nd Floor TDM Bldg. Panganiban Ave. corner Dinaga St. Naga City.

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Technically speaking, trend is your friend

For an investment instrument as volatile as stocks, is it still possible to predict how stock prices will move at a given time?

 

Veteran market pundits say this is very much in play, stressing that there is science behind the controlled chaos that is the stock market.

 

During the TradeTalks Tutorial Series hosted by BDO Securities on the basics of technical analysis and understanding market trends titled "Trending Patterns", BDO Securities Chief Operating Officer, Bernhard Tsai, said market prices form patterns that create trends, and people almost always tend to react the same way when they see the patterns that had similarly formed in the past.

 

But a more viable game plan, however, is to identify the type of trends that are formed, and riding on them until such trend is reversed.

 

"Trends are confirmed by presence of volume. Volume has to be present so you'll know there's a demand for this stock," Tsai said.

 

“Human psychology plays a key role in the stock market," he added. "Whether it's positive or negative news, the market discounts everything. As long as it's already public information, it's already reflected in the (share) price."

 

How can novice market investors find a good entry in buying stocks using technical analysis? Tsai advised to buy at the breakout point. A breakout refers to the price of a stock when it moves above a resistance area. Breakouts indicate the potential for the share price to start trending in an upward direction.

 

"One of the common pitfalls for investors is they don't have a good exit strategy," Tsai said. "When things go right, we tend to be too greedy and don't know when to get out. Knowing how to identify patterns to buy is as good as knowing when to exit."

 

To know the tips on how to have a good exit strategy, identifying market trends, and appreciating the advantages of having a sound technical analysis, Tsai advised first-time investors to open an account with BDO Securities and take advantage of the different technical analysis-based resources such as the Technically Speaking commentaries and tutorial videos. 

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BDO net income reaches ₱57.1 billion in 2022

 

BDO Unibank, Inc.’s (BDO) net income increased to P57.1 billion for the full year 2022 vs. P42.8 billion in 2021, driven by robust growth across its core businesses. This led to Return on Average Common Equity (ROCE) of 13.0% for the year improving to 15.3% for the fourth quarter, from 10.5% in 2021 and 12.8% in pre-COVID pandemic 2019.

 

Gross customer loans went up by 9% year-on-year on broad-based growth due to the economic re-opening. Total deposits rose by 14%, with Net interest income growing by 14% to P149.2 billion.

 

Non-interest income climbed by 17% to P71.5 billion bolstered by strong performance of our fee income, FX and fixed income client-flow businesses. 

 

Positive operating jaws continued with revenues up 15% for the year, versus operating expenses up 9% on back of new branches in underserved/rural areas and continued Information Technology spend for digital initiatives. 

 

Asset quality improved further, with Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio dipping to 1.95% and NPL coverage strengthening to 167%.  

 

Total capital expanded to ₱461.5 billion, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio both comfortably above regulatory minimum levels at 14.5% and 13.4%, respectively. Book value per share rose by 9% to Php 86.20 YoY.

 

While macroeconomic challenges remain with persistent inflation and foreign exchange and interest rate volatility, BDO believes that its established business franchise and strong balance sheet will allow the Bank to surmount near-term risks and capitalize on structural growth opportunities to attain long-term sustainable growth. 

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BDO Capital encourages more Pinoys to invest in RTBs

 

BDO Capital & Investment Corp. (BDO Capital) encourages more Filipinos to continue supporting government-issued bonds following the rousing participation of local investors in the 29th tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs). 

 

BDO Capital President Eduardo V. Francisco said RTBs are safe, reliable and a convenient form of investment, which also helps finance the government's various undertakings across different sectors.

 

"We hope (Filipino investors) will invest again. It's a chance for them to also help the government finance its projects," he said.

 

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) was able to raise P283.71 billion from the issuance of the 5.5-year, 6.125% coupon rate RTB 29, allowing the BTr to shorten the nine-day offer period by two days. The overwhelming demand for RTB 29 fully affirms the investing public’s confidence in Philippine paper. On average, orders reached P130 billion per day, according to the BTr, during the offer period. RTB 29 will mature 5.5 years after the issue date, or on August 22, 2028.

 

After the offer period, investors can still purchase RTBs in the secondary market at prevailing market rates.

 

Gabriel Lim, Corporate Finance head of BDO Capital, echoed Francisco's stance underlining that the benefits of RTB investments are two-pronged.

 

"For every P5,000 (minimum) investment that you put in, not only will you earn interest income for yourself and your family, but you also become an active participant in government projects that benefit Filipinos," he said.

 

Proceeds from RTB 29 will help finance various government projects in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors.

 

Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines were the joint lead issue managers of the offer. On the other hand, aside from BDO Capital, the other joint issue managers of RTB 29 include BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp., and Union Bank of the Philippines. 

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BDO Foundation celebrates the season with those who have less

BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, celebrated Christmas with thousands of underserved Filipinos as it provided food assistance in line with its gift-giving program dubbed Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation.

For the third consecutive year, BDO Foundation implemented its Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation Christmas gift-giving initiative, providing noche buena food packs to 25,000 families in underserved communities.

A total of 25,000 families all over the country received bags containing food items that beneficiaries could use for noche buena.

The foundation started the annual initiative back in 2020 as part of efforts to aid economically disadvantaged communities during the Christmas season.

Now on its third year, Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation was implemented in partnership with Caritas Philippines, the social arm of the Catholic Church in the country, as well as Tanging Yaman Foundation, a non-profit organization that links donors with beneficiaries. Conducted simultaneously over two days in various locations, the program was also made possible by BDO and BDO Network Bank volunteers from head offices and branches.

Volunteers distributed food packs in Caloocan City, Quezon City, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Novaliches, Pasay City, Pasig City and Taguig City.

Handog sa ‘Yo also reached communities in Aurora, Biliran, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cotabato, Davao, Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Romblon, Sorsogon, Sulu, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac and Tawi-Tawi.

Writing on behalf of the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Quezon City, Parish Pastoral Council secretary Charles Mercado thanked BDO Foundation, saying, “Christmas is truly a season of joy, happiness and charity. It was a fulfilling and meaningful experience to see the smiles of our parish volunteers and neighbors after receiving these gifts.”

“We thank our sponsors, who served as instruments of God this Christmas season,” he added.

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Explore the world again with the new explorer credit card by BDO and American Express

 EXPLORE THE WORLD AGAIN WITH THE NEW EXPLORER 

CREDIT CARD BY BDO AND AMERICAN EXPRESS

Manila, Philippines, 12 January 2023 – BDO Unibank, Inc. and American Express have launched the American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card (“the Explorer Card”) in the Philippines for the aspiring and frequent travelers eager to explore the world again. Cardmembers earn American Express’ Membership Rewards® points, which never expire, and can be redeemed for air miles with a wide range of airlines including award-winning ones and for hotel loyalty points with thousands of hotel properties – giving them greater flexibility and choice, and allowing them to travel for less. 

Every P40 spent entitles Cardmembers to earn one Membership Rewards® point. Each point can then be redeemed for one air mile at six frequent flyer partners: Mabuhay Miles, KrisFlyer, Cathay Membership, Royal Orchid Plus, Enrich, and Delta SkyMiles. The points can also be converted into hotel loyalty points from Marriot Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which both have thousands of properties worldwide including in the Philippines. In addition, the Explorer Card has one of the best rewards rates in the country and no conversion fee.

“We have seen substantial growth in travel-related spending among our American Express Cardmembers. In 2022, airline ticket purchase alone has increased exponentially versus the previous year,” says Rolando C. Tanchanco, BDO Senior Executive Vice President and Consumer Banking Group Head. “With the return of consumer confidence in travel, the American Express Explorer Credit Card is a timely addition to our extensive line-up of credit card products with our partner American Express.”

“After three years of the pandemic and with borders reopening, travel is back. Our American Express Explorer Credit Card launched in partnership with BDO, gives our Cardmembers in the Philippines, whether they are travelling solo, with family or with friends, the ability to earn rewards and travel for less, while doing what they are passionate about.’’ said Mr. Sanjiv Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Services, SouthEast Asia and South Pacific, American Express.

The Explorer Card was first introduced by American Express in Australia in 2016 and Hong Kong in 2021. Now, American Express with BDO are bringing the Explorer Card to the Philippines—a first in Southeast Asia. The new card forms part of the extensive range of BDO-issued American Express Cards.

Cardmembers can redeem their Membership Rewards points from a wide choice of local and international airlines and hotel loyalty programs. 

Frequent Flyer Partners

• Mabuhay Miles (Philippine Airlines)

• KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)

• Cathay Membership (Cathay Pacific Airlines)

• Royal Orchid Plus (Thai Airways)

•  Enrich (Malaysia Airlines)

• Delta SkyMiles (Delta Airlines)

Hotel Partners

• Marriot Bonvoy

• Hilton Honors

Other benefits include: 

• Up to P10M Travel Accident and Inconvenience Coverage

• 2,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points upon reaching P600,000 spend per year

• Year-round deals, rebate or cashback, and instant savings from BDO partner merchants 

• Complimentary Annual Fee for the 1st year (Principal and Supplementary)

• Waived Annual Fee upon reaching P450,000 spend per year

For more details or to apply for the American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card, visit www.americanexpress.com.ph or go to any BDO branch near you.

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