Cebuana Lhuillier, bank leaders align financial inclusion efforts
Prime movers in the financial sector are reaffirming their commitment to advancing the Philippines’ financial inclusion objectives.
In a recently concluded event hosted by Cebuana Lhuillier, financial institution leaders vowed to work together to create a more inclusive financial environment by sharing insights, forming strategic alliances, and providing bank services accessibility.
“Cebuana Lhuillier’s core mission is to provide financial services to as many Filipinos, and for our services to reach as far and as wide as we could. When I talk about millions of people. I am talking about the hardworking men and women striving for a better financial future. Having the decision makers of the top financial institutions as allies, and having the same mindset to work together towards the same goal will ensure the success of this mission. By aligning our efforts we can make a real difference,” said Cebuana Lhuillier chief executive officer (CEO) Jean Henri Lhuillier, who is a staunch supporter of financial inclusion.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), financial inclusion is a state wherein effective access to finance-related products and services is ensured for everyone, especially the vulnerable sectors.
The top executives from various banks discussed and strategized on the next steps of their collaboration.
L huillier said the meeting of minds among the bankers was also an opportunity for the leaders to exchange ideas, and discuss areas of improvement and best practices to further advance financial inclusion.
The gathering was attended by Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier and senior executive vice president Philippe Andre Lhuillier and senior bank executives, namely BDO Unibank Inc.’s executive vice president and institutional banking group head Charles Rodriguez; BPI president and chief executive officer TG Limcaoco; Metrobank senior vice president and corporate banking group head Anthony Yap; RCBC president and chief executive officer Eugene Acevedo; Security Bank president and chief executive officer Sanjiv Vohra; Union Bank president and chief executive officer Edwin Bautista; and executive vice president chief digital channel officer/ chief customer experience officer Ana Maria Aboitiz Delgado; and China Bank Capital president Martin Tapia.
The event also marked the introduction of Cebuana Lhuillier Gold, the first minted gold bar in the Philippines.
“The Filipinos will benefit greatly as everyone present here today are leaders who have the power to influence movement in the financial sector. With all of us working and committed to supporting this cause, our efforts will definitely echo towards the entire financial industry,” said BDO’s Rodriguez.
“As we look ahead, we hope for a future filled with continued growth and an even stronger partnership. Filipinos can expect better and faster services and programs that are designed to make banking easier and more inclusive. Though we represent different companies, we are united by our shared goal of making sure Filipinos have the financial resources they need to thrive,” added BPI’s Limcaoco.