Tag: BDO

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BDO Backs NAIA Modernization To Boost Air Mobility

Recognizing the vital role of infrastructure in national progress, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) remains committed to supporting projects that help advance essential services and drive sustainable growth. Through its participation in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) modernization, BDO continues to be a strong partner in transforming the Philippines’ primary gateway, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities in the country.

Facilitated by BDO’s Institutional Banking Group and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital), BDO helped secure PHP 80 billion (US$ 1.42 billion) in funding for New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the consortium awarded the concession to rehabilitate and modernize NAIA. The consortium, led by San Miguel Holdings Corporation, the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), alongside RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), aims to significantly improve the airport’s efficiency and passenger experience.

SMC, a key member of NNIC, contributes its extensive infrastructure expertise and market leadership, with businesses spanning multiple industries and driving approximately 6% of the Philippines’ GDP. Meanwhile, IIAC, a wholly owned entity of the Korean government and the operator of South Korea’s Incheon airport, one of Asia’s busiest airports, brings global practices in airport management, technology, and operational efficiency. Their involvement underscores the confidence of international stakeholders in the Philippines’ economic potential and infrastructure modernization efforts.

BDO’s ability to swiftly mobilize significant capital in a tight timeframe demonstrates its leadership in large-scale infrastructure investment. BDO Capital, in collaboration with other investment banks, structured a deal that ensured a seamless funding process for NNIC, overcoming complex market dynamics.

“BDO has been a steadfast partner in infrastructure development, ensuring projects like the NAIA modernization have the necessary financial backing to succeed. This initiative will drive economic growth, improve air mobility, and enhance the Philippines’ position as a regional hub,” said Eduardo V. Francisco, President of BDO Capital.

Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group, added, “We take pride in supporting transformative projects that create long-term value for businesses and communities. The modernization of NAIA is a milestone in improving air travel efficiency and accessibility for millions of Filipinos.”

BDO’s support has been crucial in providing the resources needed to modernize NAIA. Their financial expertise strengthens our efforts to transform the airport into a world-class gateway that drives economic growth, improves connectivity, and delivers a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers,” said Angelito Alvarez, NNIC’s General Manager.

The NAIA modernization project, awarded before the end of 2024, was one of the administration’s priority undertakings. Understanding the fiscal challenges inherited by the current administration, BDO is leveraging private sector collaboration to ensure critical infrastructure initiatives remain on track. This landmark transaction highlights BDO’s support for the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs, fostering improved air mobility and infrastructure development. As the largest PPP under the current administration, this project is expected to generate substantial revenue for the Philippine government while creating new jobs, boosting tourism, and attracting foreign investment.

The modernization of NAIA is a crucial component of a broader transport infrastructure upgrade, complementing projects such as the Metro Manila subway and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Together, these initiatives will create a more integrated and efficient transportation network, driving economic opportunities and reinforcing the country’s position in the global market.

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Establish Your Family Emergency Fund: Start Saving Today For Added Security And Peace Of Mind.

Consider what lies ahead for your family. What do you observe?

Imagine your child celebrating a remarkable graduation from a prestigious university, your long-awaited business finally welcoming customers, or the love of your life gracefully walking down the aisle. No matter what your dreams or aspirations may be, it’s crucial to focus on your family’s future by establishing a solid financial plan, beginning with a family emergency fund.

Experience the ultimate peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are shielded from the financial burdens of emergencies or illness. This safeguard provides your family with a strong base to boldly move forward.

Moreover, integrating savings with life insurance in your financial strategy is essential to safeguard your loved ones from financial hardship during unexpected circumstances, allowing them to depend less on the emergency fund.

Experience enhanced security for your savings with BDO’s added layer of protection. Open a BDO Smart Checking, ATM Savings, Passbook Savings, or Peso Checking account today and enjoy the incredible advantage of a savings account that includes complimentary life insurance coverage of P3 million. Just keep the necessary minimum initial deposit in your account for a period of up to six months. Experience a quick and effortless sign-up process, all without the need for medical exams.

In addition to selecting the ideal bank, there are several other factors to keep in mind while establishing a family emergency fund:

• The importance of size cannot be overlooked. A bigger family means a bigger emergency fund is essential. An ideal emergency fund should cover three to six months of your living expenses. For bigger families, consider extending that duration to 12 months.

• Strategic foresight. Starting early gives you the advantage. Think about establishing your emergency fund with your partner before embarking on the journey of starting a family.

• Family fund. Create a dedicated emergency fund for your family. While you might already have a personal emergency fund, creating one for your family is essential for managing household expenses and addressing larger financial needs.

• Easy to reach and safe. Accessing your family emergency fund should be effortless, enabling you to avoid the time-consuming process of asset liquidation. Experience peace of mind with a reputable bank like BDO, safeguarding your finances from potential economic downturns.

As you begin your financial journey, keep in mind that every family’s needs and situations are distinct. Choosing a bank that demonstrates a genuine dedication to care is an essential step.

Choosing BDO empowers you to take that crucial first step in securing your family’s future with confidence. Seize this exclusive opportunity before it expires on May 15, 2025. Stop by your closest BDO branch today or explore us online at www.bdo.com.ph.

 

 

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Women MSMEs turn livelihood programs into ‘Automated Tao Machines’

Resilient mothers from a remote mining community in Surigao del Norte transformed their livelihood programs into a channel that brings banking services closer to the community. Through BDO Unibank’s agency banking channel, Cash Agad, they proved that women can inspire and lead change even in the most remote areas.

The Siana Golden Mothers Association comprises mothers from Barangay Siana, Mainit, and Surigao del Norte who are beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). In addition to relying on their 4Ps benefits, Siana Golden Mothers was determined to find livelihood opportunities for its members to become successful business owners.

The birth of an initiative

In 2018, when a nearby mining company offered support to livelihood programs, Minda Ajoc, a devoted mother who worked for years assisting barangay nurses in caring for young children in Barangay Siana, joined hands with fellow mothers to form Siana Golden Mothers. They guided the group through early livelihood ventures such as swine production.

This is when they also decided to become partner agents of Cash Agad, a service offered by BDO to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), organizations, and local establishments in rural and hard-to-reach communities where bank branches and ATM access are limited to non-existent. The partner agents will then become the “ATM” or Automated Tao Machines in their community and allow cash withdrawal services, balance inquiry, cash-in, bill payment, and other basic banking transactions through the point-of-sale devices at their stores.

These women saw an opportunity for their association to be a Cash Agad agent, bringing financial services closer while creating a sustainable income source and providing remittance and photocopying services to the community.

Lifeline for Barangay Siana

“Malaking tulong sa amin ang Cash Agad, lalo na’t malayo kami sa city. Madami itong natulungan at nabigyan ng access sa kanilang pera. Nakakatulong ito na mai-angat namin ang aming komunidad,” Minda said. (Cash Agad has been an enormous help, especially since we live far from the city. It has helped many people get access to their funds. The outcome has enabled us to uplift our community.

In line with its commitment to fostering financial inclusion, BDO finds it encouraging that Cash Agad is creating a sense of financial empowerment for women in Mindanao.

“Our partnership with the Siana Golden Mother’s Association reflects BDO’s commitment to supporting grassroots communities, especially women, who play a vital role in driving local progress,” said Jaime Nasol, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Banking Group at BDO Unibank. “Through programs like Cash Agad, we aim to bring financial services closer to remote areas, enabling individuals and associations to build sustainable livelihoods and create meaningful change within their communities.”

As the Siana Golden Mothers Association continues to grow, BDO and Cash Agad, with more than 12,000 partner agents, are exploring further ways to support similar initiatives, helping more communities to access essential financial services, and promoting a future of financial stability for all.

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UNICEF Philippines and BDO Foundation form relationship to benefit youth in Bangsamoro region.

Finding ways for the youth. The ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement was led by UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative Behzad Noubary (2nd from left, seated), BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito (3rd from left), and BDO Foundation Trustees Evelyn Salagubang (rightmost) and Ma. Corazon Mallillin (leftmost).

UNICEF Philippines and the BDO Foundation are working together to improve educational options for out-of-school children, teenagers, and adolescents in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Alternative Learning System (ALS). This initiative, which will assist underprivileged communities in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Maguindanao, will provide out-of-school children and youth with a second chance to reintegrate into formal education or build valuable employable skills.

BDO Unibank’s corporate social responsibility department will sponsor the initiative for the next two years. The partnership’s goal is to close the education gap and reach 3,000 adolescents aged 10 to 19, giving them educational opportunities that can change their lives.

BARMM suffers from a number of issues, including high poverty rates, restricted access to secondary education, and the highest illiteracy rate in the nation. Ongoing armed conflict, political instability, and natural catastrophes compound these challenges, putting many young people, particularly girls, disabled children, and conflict victims, at a substantial disadvantage. The region’s youth are also at risk of missing out on educational opportunities, which can significantly limit their socioeconomic potential.

In response, UNICEF Philippines has been working with the BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to expand ALS programs that provide flexible learning opportunities for out-of-school adolescents. With the support of the BDO Foundation, this collaborative commitment and cooperation will improve ALS access throughout the region, assisting disadvantaged adolescents in returning to formal education, becoming more active in the community, and acquiring the skills and education required for a brighter and more sustainable future.

UNICEF and the BDO Foundation intend to eliminate major educational inequalities in BARMM and improve the socioeconomic mobility of the region’s young. By cooperating with local governments and communities, the effort assures the long-term viability of ALS programs and benefits the recipients.

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BDO and Japan’s Seven Bank Remittance Collaboration Grows

Overseas Filipinos in Japan prioritize convenience and reliability when transferring money home. BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) and Seven Bank have pledged to satisfy loyal Kabayans and attract new ones to their growing platform.

Supporting Overseas Filipinos in Japan since 2016. BDO’s remittance network in Japan started with the opening of a BDO Remit office in Shinjuku. The alliance with Seven Bank a year later enabled BDO to reach customers beyond the Shinjuku/Tokyo area to various prefectures of Japan.

The 2017 announcement of the strategic alliance of banking leaders from two of Asia’s strong economies was promising. Seven years later, both institutions agree the relationship has benefited their clients. BDO and Seven Bank are exploring ways to expand their cooperation to other products and services.

Seven Bank President and Representative Director Masaaki Matsuhashi praised BDO’s customer emphasis. Seven Bank shares this value. BDO is passionate and aggressive about offering innovative services to customers, so we want to work with them.”

Seven Bank’s International Money Transfer app allows clients to transfer money from Japan to the Philippines conveniently on their mobile phones.

Fast and secure remittance to the Philippines. Using Seven Bank’s International Money Transfer mobile app, Overseas Filipinos in Japan are assured of 24×7 delivery of their remittances to their loved ones back home.

BDO Senior Vice President and head of Remittance Genie T. Gloria said, “We saw that one hurdle for Filipino workers in Japan is visiting banks and remittance centers during the daytime due to their work schedule. Our partnership with Seven Bank is a game changer, enabling 24×7 remittance via their mobile app and 27,000 ATMs across Japan.”

Matsuhashi noted BDO’s global reach: “For Filipinos living in Japan, everybody knows BDO and feels secure and safe with the BDO network. Seven Bank is known to Filipinos in Japan. BDO and Seven Bank are trusted and reliable.”

BDO has the largest physical and digital presence for overseas Filipinos and families. With BDO Kabayan Savings, beneficiaries can receive and withdraw money 24/7 from anywhere in the Philippines using over 5,700 ATMs. Cash Pick-up Anywhere lets them claim money at over 14,000 sites nationwide, including over 1,700 BDO and BDO Network Bank branches, BDO Remit counters in SM malls, and over 12,000 Cash Agad partner-agents.

BDO’s reliability as a partner and service provider impressed Matsuhashi, along with its extensive accessibility. “Remittances sometimes fail to send in the remittance business. With BDO, senders and recipients complete all transactions. This is a BDO strength.

BDO’s broad and long-standing network of remittance partners from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific shares Seven Bank’s favorable views and expertise.

Overseas Filipino remittances are one of the largest in the world and reached a historic high of US$37.2 billion in 2023.

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BDO Foundation Opens 2025 With The Completion Of Four Recently Renovated RHUs.

More than 96,000 Filipinos throughout various regions of Luzon and the Visayas will benefit from four recently renovated rural health units (RHUs), which were turned over by BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, to celebrate the new year.

Two health facilities in Capiz, namely Sapian Rural Health Unit and Birthing Clinic and Ivisan Rural Health Unit and Birthing Facility, were refurbished by the BDO Foundation to support the country’s ability to provide essential health services at the grassroots level. In addition to Pilar Rural Health Unit in Bohol and Peñarrubia Rural Health Unit in Abra, the foundation also restored both of these units. The BDO Foundation has restored 195 outlying health centers around the country.

With the help of the local government units and their municipal health officers, the BDO Foundation renovated the inside and outside of the health centers to make them better places to heal and be healthy. To make sure that the community is comfortable when they visit the centers for their regular check-ups, the foundation established sections for children, nursing mothers, and older residents in various RHUs.

The BDO Foundation has long held the view that RHUs play an essential role in enhancing the provision of primary healthcare. They play an essential role in the community by providing essential primary health care services such as checkups, immunizations, and other preventative measures.

Newly rehabilitated RHUs. The health centers aim to be more patient-centric and conducive to wellness.

Our goal is to ensure that all Filipinos may easily and comfortably obtain primary health care. Mario Deriquito, president of the BDO Foundation, expressed the hope that their modest gift will enable health personnel to deliver better services and aid patients in receiving better care.

One of BDO Foundation’s continuing initiatives is the RHU rehabilitation program. Branch officers of BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank suggest deserving RHUs to the foundation, which then proceeds to refurbish health centers nationwide.