The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) honored 13 partner institutions from the National Capital Region and South Luzon during the “2022 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremonies" held this week at the central bank’s head office in Manila. Since its inception in 2004, the ceremonies have been the avenue for BSP to honor its partners in crafting policies and delivering programs for the Filipino people.
The central bank honored organizations and industry associations that have provided outstanding contributions to the achievement of BSP’s mandates, and a wide range of initiatives, including statistical undertakings, information requirements, and advocacy programs, BSP press release said.
“We recognize our public and private sector partners, for consistently providing us with diverse and timely data. Our information-sharing and welfare-enhancing activities have been crucial in the implementation of appropriate, responsive, and well-calibrated policy actions,” said BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla.
The four awardees from the South Luzon Regional Office namely PNB – Naga City Panganiban Branch, Landbank of the Philippines – Legazpi City Branch, BDO – Legazpi Branch, and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – College of Economic and Management were recognized for their contributions in conducting financial literacy programs among youth, fisherfolk and farmers; prioritization of cash assistance service with other banks that resulted in the longer circulation of banknotes; and strict adherence to operational policies of the BSP that effectively helped deter the proliferation of counterfeit notes in the region.
The nine awardees from the head office, on the other hand, were recognized for paving the way for the introduction of the digital PERA platform (https://pera.seedbox.ph); participating in the Cash Service Alliance (CSA) facility; pioneering sustainability in the Philippine banking industry; showing a strong commitment to the development and protection of the financial services industry; and support to the BSP Gold Buying Roadmap.
They were also recognized for their support of the foreign exchange liberalization effort of the BSP through its continuous submission of relevant inputs on draft Circulars; providing insights regarding the BSP’s periodic review of the ceilings on credit card transactions; and for fostering the safety and efficiency of payment systems and the broader adoption of digital payments.
The institutions recognized from NCR are:
• ATRAM Trust Corporation
• BDO Unibank, Inc.
• Bank of the Philippine Islands
• Sterling Bank of Asia
• Maya Philippines, Inc.
• Mines and Geosciences Bureau
• Bankers Association of the Philippines
• Credit Card Association of the Philippines
• Philippine Payments Management, Inc.
Meanwhile, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat emphasized that the strong collaboration between the government and the private sector is a significant component of the whole-of-nation approach to economic recovery.
“The BSP celebrates the remarkable contributions of our stakeholders, not only in delivering our mandates but also in cushioning the effects of the pandemic and helping the economy recover,” Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat said.
(First row, L to R) Monetary Board Member V. Bruce J. Tolentino, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla, Monetary Board Member Peter B. Favila, Monetary Board Member Anita Linda R. Aquino joined the representatives from the 13 institutions recognized by the BSP during the 2022 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremonies. (Top, L to R) ATRAM Group Chief Investment Officer Phillip Hagedorn, Credit Card Association of the Philippines President Maria Magdalena Surtida, Philippine National Bank – Naga City Panganiban Branch Head Jouvie France Macapagal, Maya Philippines Head of Public Affairs and Communication Nick Wilwayco, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture Dean College of Economics and Management Gladys Rosales, Philippine Payments Management, Inc. General Manager Carmelita Araneta, Sterling Bank of Asia President and CEO Cecilio San Pedro, Bankers Association of the Philippines Officer Hans Sicat, Land Bank of the Philippines Legazpi City Branch Head Cesar Ramirez, Bank of the Philippine Islands Compliance Officers Len Abiog and Nenita Arenas, BDO Legazpi Branch Manager Gina Bonos, and BDO Senior Vice President Raffy Ayuste.