ILOILO City – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday, September 23, honored ten institutions and local government partners in the Visayas for their vital role in strengthening financial inclusion, enhancing price and financial stability, and ensuring safe and efficient payment systems in the country.
Speaking at the Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC), Monetary Board Member and former BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno stressed that the awards highlight the importance of partnerships in nation-building.
“The Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC) serves to remind us that the work of progress is not solely reliant on individual organizations but is a shared responsibility bolstered by enduring partnerships,” Diokno said.
Among the awardees were BSP-supervised financial institutions including Card Bank, Inc.’s Roxas branch; the Dumaguete and Tacloban branches of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP); the LBP Iloilo cash operations unit; and the Roxas and Cebu Fuente Osmeña Center branches of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company.
The Talisay City government in Negros Occidental was cited for good governance and contributions to financial development, while the Cebu Bankers Club, Tacloban Bankers Association, Inc., and Perpetual Help Community Cooperative were honored for promoting financial inclusivity and supporting local economic growth.
“These awards are tangible evidence of public duty in action. They represent initiatives that extend beyond governmental efforts, serving as reminders that strong foundations are established in our communal spaces,” Diokno added.
BSP deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the event was not only about recognition but also about reinforcing the role of community partnerships.
“Each of you plays a vital role in making finance more meaningful for Filipinos. Today, we honor your contributions and draw inspiration from your stories. They underline that true inclusion is attainable when we come together,” she said.
The ceremony also marked the launch of Diokno’s book, “Leading the BSP in the Pandemic”, which recounts the extraordinary measures implemented under his leadership to safeguard economic and financial stability during the COVID-19 crisis.
Diokno said launching the book in Iloilo was fitting, citing the province’s strong pandemic response.
“This province exemplifies what can be achieved through swift and proactive responses to crises,” he noted./PN
