More Than Banking: BDO's Impact on Bago City’s Growth and Well-being

The month of November, particularly Cinco de Noviembre has always been special for the Negrenses as they commemorate the revolution by the people of Negros Occidental against the Spanish colonial government in 1898. This historic event is rooted in the ingenuity and bravery of the Negrenses also known as the "biggest bluff" as they used nipa fronds as “rifles” and rolled bamboo mats as “cannons,” creating a convincing illusion that led to the Spaniards’ surrender.

It is inspiring to hear the creativity and courage that took a small group to defeat the huge forces of the Spaniards and it only took someone like their leader, General Juan Araneta of Bago City, together with his Bagonhon troops, to believe that they could do it.

Today, when I think about Bago City and the Bagonhons, I see a community full of untapped potential. Bago is home to award-winning Criollo cacao beans, stunning Tumandok Arts and Crafts, and a hundred-year-old heirloom recipe for Panaras (or empanadas). Alongside these treasures, the city also boasts an abundance of historical and natural landmarks. Bago City may be small, but its people are incredibly talented, with so much to offer. 

.... They only need someone to believe in them. 

Source: Source:  Bago City Tourism Affairs

BDO is the only commercial bank in Bago City

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Rommel Torre, the manager of BDO Negros Occidental - Bago, and learned that BDO Unibank is currently the only commercial bank operating in Bago City.

Given that the city boasts an annual income of PHP 1.3 billion, I was initially surprised to learn that no other commercial banks have established a presence there.

However, it’s clear that BDO recognized Bago City’s economic potential early on and has taken an active role in supporting its growth. By providing accessible and readily available financial services, they ensure that businesses and residents have the resources they need to thrive.

Building Relationships with the Locals

BDO's branch presence not only serves its customers but also contributes to the local economy by providing job opportunities. BDO prioritizes hiring local staff, as they believe it fosters stronger relationships with clients. Having familiar faces allows customers to feel more at ease.

Mr. Torre who has been with BDO since its opening in 2014, emphasized the importance of long-term relationships with clients. Over the years, the bank has cultivated close bonds with its customers, which has fostered trust and loyalty.

When I spoke with Lucy, a BDO client since 2017, she said that her relationship with BDO is like a family. It is so personal that she even asks them to call her "tita" (aunt) She said everyone at the branch is always willing to help, and she considers her banking experience at BDO to be the best she’s had.

Disaster Response and Emergencies 

BDO has proven its resilience and commitment to its customers. Recognizing its essential role in times of crisis, the bank made sure to stay operational and support communities in need. With a significant number of families in the city relying on remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), BDO ensured that these funds reached their intended recipients without delay.

The bank’s efforts went beyond just providing financial services—they were instrumental in keeping the economy flowing during uncertain times. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, BDO continued to operate, ensuring continuous service for the community. Employees kept the bank’s services running smoothly, ensuring that ATMs were stocked and accessible, especially before anticipated typhoons or other disasters. In this way, BDO showcased not only its operational efficiency but also its commitment to being a dependable partner for its customers during emergencies.

Community Initiatives Beyond the Bank

Source: The Citybridge (Bago City Newsletter)

BDO not only serves as a banking institution but is also active in nation-building. Through the BDO Foundation, they have supported the renovation of the city's health office, which allowed the LGU to provide better health services. They also donated computers to public schools in Bago City. During the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, they extended relief goods to the evacuation centers to help those affected.

They also conduct financial literacy seminars. The most recent one was in the nearby municipality of Valladolid, where they teach small farmers the importance of savings.

What I love about this initiative is that it doesn’t stop with just lectures; they actually assist and help the farmers open their savings accounts. Their commitment to financial inclusion is truly translated into concrete actions.

BDO is here and they are here to stay

Tim Tebow, an American football quarterback, once said, "If someone is there to believe in you, to care about you, and support you, amazing things can happen."

The Bagonhons used their creativity to overcome overwhelming odds in the past, and today’s Bago City continues to show the same resourcefulness. BDO is right here supporting that growth because they care, support, and believe in the people of Bago City. 

They are here and they are a partner of the community. BDO is here to stay.

Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards Continues to Celebrate Filipino Literary Excellence

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature made a grand return to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) to celebrate its illustrious 72nd year. The prestigious event honored some of the country’s finest writers across various genres and categories and proudly inducted new additions to its Hall of Fame.

The Palanca Hall of Fame is an elite circle of awardees who have achieved the remarkable feat of winning First Prize five times, in any writing category. It now has 30 honorees following the inclusion of four distinguished writers, namely, Eros Sanchez Atalia, Mikael de Lara Co, Miguel Antonio Alfredo V. Luarca, and Joshua Lim So, cementing their legacy in Philippine literature.

The Awards also honored achievements across 22 writing categories, including the Novel and Nobela categories. Remarkably, 31 new names were recognized among a total of 54 awardees in four divisions: Kabataan, English, Filipino, and Regional Languages. All entries were meticulously evaluated by a respected panel of literary luminaries.

Gracing the night as Guest of Honor/Speaker and Gawad Dangal ng Lahi awardee was Director Jun Robles Lana. An internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker, Lana boasts an impressive portfolio of local and international accolades, including 12 Palanca Awards prizes and his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2006. His award-winning films include “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan,” “Die Beautiful,” “Kalel, 15,” and “About Us But Not About Us.” Lana’s achievements underscore his immense contributions to both Philippine literature and cinema.

The Palanca Awards stands as the longest-running and most prestigious literary competition in the Philippines. It was named after the businessman and philanthropist Carlos Palanca, Sr. and sponsored by the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. This esteemed event maintains a tradition of encouraging writers to nurture and develop Philippine literature. A Palanca medal or recognition is a highly sought-after honor within the Filipino writing community, both locally and internationally.

Since 1951, the Palanca Awards has honored 2,580 Filipino authors with medals and certificates. As a champion of Philippine literature, it also serves as a repository of literary treasures, boasting an archive of 2,677 winning works from 1951 to 2024.

PH Reading Crisis in Focus at the Country’s First Reading Advocates Conference

The National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA), an organization composed of over 100 reading advocacy organizations, educators, and change-makers across the Philippines, will hold its first conference at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

The first NARA Conference, which carries the theme ”Pamitinan ng Lingkod-Mambabasa,” is convened by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) to address the challenges and seek out opportunities to help resolve the country’s reading crisis.

The conference’s theme, inspired by the limestone cave found in the foothills of the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range, represents the hope to spark a movement united for reading.

“We have gathered reading advocates from across the nation for a very important reason: We want them to talk and cooperate with each other. Our nation’s readership problem is multifaceted, which means it cannot be addressed by a single entity or the government alone. As secretariat of the NARA, we will exhaust all means to advance Philippine readership through collaboration and innovation,” according to NBDB Readership Development Division Chief Daniel Mariano.

The conference will look into the State of the Reading Nation, a showcase of innovative literacy programs, and networking opportunities. The alliance will also ratify and declare the NARA Agenda, a cornerstone document that details and highlights the areas and goals that will address the nation’s reading crisis.

”This is a groundbreaking move in advocating for our national readership. In a historic plenary of reading stewards, practical solutions and innovative strategies to advance the nation’s reading culture will be in focus. We look forward to seeing participants engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations centered on holistic approaches to readership development,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

Membership to the NARA is open to reading advocates who are committed to help improve Philippine readership. For more information and details on how to register, visit bit.ly/joinnara or contact the NBDB Reading Campaigns Section at campaigns@books.gov.ph.

Expanding BDO’s Presence in Bacolod City

BDO has 38 branches across Negros Occidental: 14 BDO branches and 1 BDO Network Bank in Metro Bacolod, along with 12 BDO branches and 11 BDO Network Bank outside the city. There are over 100 ATMs strategically located throughout the province to ensure accessible banking services for everyone.

To make banking more convenient for its clients, Bacolod branches offer extended banking hours and even weekend services.

BDO aims to further expand its presence in Negros Occidental to bring its banking solutions closer to individuals and businesses, and contribute to the local economy’s growth.

Embarking on community marketing activities in Bacolod

BDO’s presence through its branches and community marketing efforts has allowed the Bank to better understand and respond to the unique needs of its local markets.

In Bacolod, this approach paved the rollout of banking solutions that resonate with the community’s values and economic aspirations, such as support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families. Moreover, it has started and strengthened bank-client relationships for the long-term.

Going digital, even at the branch

BDO offers digital innovations like the self-service machines in its branches nationwide to make banking easier, simpler, more secure, and more accessible. These digital innovations complement the Bank’s traditional over-the-counter services provided by branch personnel.

The following are available in Bacolod branches:

• SAM (or Service Assist Machine) allows to clients to digitally enter their transactions at the branch instead of filling out traditional branch forms. 
• Online Branch Booking enables our clients to schedule their branch visits ahead and enter their transaction details even before they get to the branch.
• Online Account Opening makes it easy for clients to open an account anywhere, anytime. No need to visit the branch to open their accounts
• Universal Machine is the latest innovation in BDO’s machines, allowing clients to do transactions like update their smart passbooks, deposit checks, withdraw/deposit cash and more without even lining up at the counter.

Clients can use these digital tools to reduce their time spent to complete their transactions and improve their overall branch banking experience.