BSP Visayas Regional Office Recognizes Outstanding Partners

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognized eight institutional partners of its Visayas Regional Office at the 2024 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC) on September 16, 2024 at Citadines in Bacolod City.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. expressed gratitude to the partners, stating, “Your contributions have made various BSP operations invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your support. I look forward to continuing our journey together, mga kaupod.[1]”

Marking the 20th anniversary of OBSAC, the Governor conveyed his pleasure in visiting Bacolod and highlighted the MassKara Festival, a symbol of grit and unity during challenging times—qualities that BSP partners embody.

On August 2, 2024, the BSP held a similar event for its Head Office partners. Appreciation ceremonies are also planned for South Luzon, North Luzon, and Mindanao.

Since 2004, the OBSAC has recognized partners supporting the BSP’s mandates, including maintaining price stability, financial stability, and an efficient payments and settlements system.

The BSP also honors organizations contributing to its special advocacies, such as financial inclusion, digitalization, proper handling of banknotes and coins, and cyber hygiene practices.

Below are the outstanding institutional partners of the BSP Visayas Regional Office:

• Cash Management Services Unit, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, Dumaguete: For its outstanding fit currency recirculation via the Cash Service Alliance (CSA);[2]it received the CSA Award Source Bank of the Year from the BSP Dumaguete Branch for two consecutive years starting in 2022.
•       Land Bank of the Philippines – Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City Branch: For driving CSA implementation in Cebu, advancing the BSP’s financial inclusion goals by promoting basic deposit accounts with minimal initial deposits, and expanding access to financial products and services through the opening of new branches in underserved areas.
• Bank of the Philippine Islands – D. Jakosalem Branch, Cebu: For leading the use of fit currencies via the CSA and for spearheading financial education with programs such as the “FinEd Unboxed”[3]and “Personal Finance 101 for College Students.”[4] 
• Land Bank of the Philippines – Roxas (Capiz) Branch: For its improved currency management and active CSA participation, its continued support of the BSP’s currency recirculation efforts as seen in its receipt of awards such as the CSA Award and Clean Note Award, and its active role in business continuity exercises, supporting the BSP’s business continuity and resilience goals.
• Land Bank of the Philippines – Tacloban Branch: For advancing the CSA initiative and supporting the BSP’s financial inclusion goals by deploying 11 ATMs across Eastern Visayas in 2023 and introducing basic deposit accounts with a PHP1.00 minimum deposit.
• Mandaue City Public Library: For boosting financial literacy and serving as a key hub for educational resources in support of the BSP’s advocacy on financial education.
• Local Government of Victorias City, Negros Occidental: As a steadfast partner in implementing the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, which aims to boost e-payments in markets, public transportation, and other businesses using QR Ph, the national standard for quick response codes.
• Junior Philippine Economics Society – University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City: For supporting the BSP’s key mandates and advocacies, including organizing coin exchange programs, hosting financial education lectures, and promoting digital payments in its club activities.

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[1] Hiligaynon translation for “partner.”

[2] CSA is the BSP’s initiative for direct exchange of fit currency between banks.

[3] These are specialized financial education sessions for beneficiaries of all the BPI Foundation programs.

[4] A program in collaboration with the BSP, Commission on Higher Education, Securities and Exchange Commission, Insurance Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, and National Economic and Development Authority.