BPI Group bags more awards

The Bank of the Philippine Islands and its subsidiaries have recently garnered significant accolades from renowned organizations for their impactful deals, sustainable development initiatives, and customer-focused campaigns.

For the third year running, International Business Magazine has honored BPI as the Best Sustainable Bank in the Philippines, acknowledging its commitment to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and governance excellence.

At the 19th PDS Annual

Awards, BPI made an impressive showing. BPI Capital (headed by Junie Veloso) won the prestigious Cesar EA. Virata Award for Best Securities House for 2023 in the Investment House category. It also ranked as one of the Top 5 Corporate Issue Managers/ Arrangers.

The bank’s Fixed Income Trading - Local Currency team was third among the Top 5 Fixed Income Dealing Participants and received a special Issuer Award for the ₱20.4 Billion BPI Reinforcing Inclusive Support for MSMES (RISE) Bonds.

BPI Securities (headed by Haj Narvaez), for the tenth time, received the Depository Award as one of the Top 5 Depository Brokering Participants in 2023.

Additionally, BPI Capital also stood out at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2024, securing wins across several categories: Best Social Bond for the BPI RISE Bonds; Best Equity Deal for ACEN'S P25B Perpetual Preferred Shares; Best Corporate Bond for SM Prime's ₱33B Fixed-rate Bond; and Best Acquisition Financing for Aboitiz Equity Ventures' ₱17.54B Fixed-rate Bond.

Other significant accolades this year include the 2024 Change Maker Award for Most Innovative Bank for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises by BPI Direct Banko (headed by Rod Mabiasen); Euromoney Private Banking Awards' distinctions as "Philippines' Best for Nextgen" and "Best for Family Office Services" by BPI Wealth (headed by Tere Marcial) ; and a bronze at Marketing Interactive's 11th Annual PR Awards for BPI'S Sustainable Awareness Month.

BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco said: These awards affirm BPI’S leadership in the Philippine financial markets, showcasing its commitment to exceptional service, innovation, and significant contributions to the nation’s financial landscape.

Beating the heat

The state weather bureau PAGASA warns that the heat index could reach between 45°C and 54.8°C in May, suggesting that more regions in the Philippines may experience extreme temperatures.

Amidst soaring temperatures, Muntinlupa City’s administration is prioritizing the health and comfort of its populace. Introducing the “Beat the Heat” initiative, the city is offering complimentary drinking water across various public spots.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed, “We’re providing free drinking water in hightraffic areas of Muntinlupa to assist commuters, drivers, and workers in combatting the intense heat and preventing heat-related illnesses.”

Six designated distribution points, equipped with mobile water dispensers, are now operational citywide, including Laguerta PNP, Plaza Central, Soldiers Hills Outpost, Alabang Central Market, Alabang Terminal, and Upper Sucat Police Station.

For those craving a refreshing chill, 1Munti Party is generously supplying ice along with the water. Trained personnel oversee each station to ensure water quality and adherence to hygiene standards.

Residents are urged to avail themselves of this service and prioritize hydration during the scorching summer days.

In a related development, Valenzuela City’s local government, led by Mayor Wes Gatchalian, has launched mobile showers to aid communities grappling with water shortages, as reported by Unang Balita. In response to the ongoing hot weather and subsequent water supply issues, these mobile facilities will provide free showers to residents to help prevent heat-related health issues. The mobile showers will be operational across various barangays, serving those particularly affected by the shortage. According to a Facebook post by the Valenzuela local government unit, as of April 30, 2024, the showers have been made available in Barangays Gen T. De Leon and Parada.

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