The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Banks to deploy more ATMs in Sulu
SULU – Leading banking institutions operating in Sulu have pledged to install more automated teller machines to cater to the growing needs of their clientele after Vice Governor Sakur Tan held a meeting with bank executives about the need for more ATMs in the capital town of Jolo.
Tan recently called a meeting with bank managers at his office in Patikul town to discuss about the deployment of addition ATMs in Jolo to cater not only to government employees and private citizens, but to further enhance the services offered by these banks. Hajja Zeny Masong, of Radio ng Bayan, was also present during the meeting.
Among the banks operating in Sulu are the Development Bank of the Philippines, Amanah Bank, Allied Bank, Metro Bank, Philippine National Bank and Land Bank of the Philippines.
Tan said many people were queuing up – rain or shine – outside the banks just to be able to withdraw money from ATMS, especially during paydays. “We want these banks to put more ATMs so it can accommodate more clients,” he said.
He said the long queue in ATM terminals is also causing traffic problems in Jolo and it is affecting the commuters and the public in general.
Tan said government agencies in Jolo like the Department of Education and the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should be able to have its own ATMs in their headquarters to ease the pain of employees and security personnel from getting their salaries. And these will also lessen the number of people withdrawing money in ATMs in downtown Jolo.
The Land Bank of the Philippines, Allied Bank and Metro Bank have assured Tan that more ATMs would be installed in Sulu, including at the Capitol Building, in the months to come to ensure the public of its efficient services.
Tan said the provincial government under Governor Totoh Tan is fully supportive of the banking institutions in Sulu.