BAIPHIL strides ahead…
In a related move, BAIPHIL also developed training modules for bank internal auditors, in collaboration with the Institute of Internal Auditors, Philippines. These modules are also for CPD accreditation.
To strengthen the Secretariat’s ability to support BAIPHIL’s training, administrative and other requirements, the organizational structure was streamlined last year, drawing clearer lines of supervision and responsibility. The support team had been significantly reinforced, with the recruitment of the Team Lead for Corporate Services, and one Training Officer.
Augmenting learning opportunities with GMMs
In addition to conducting training programs, BAIPHIL hosts monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs) that feature highly-relevant subject matters and compelling speakers. Six GMMs were mounted in the second half of 2018, including a forum on the National Retail Payment System in August, with Carmelita Araneta, general manager of the Philippine Payments Management Inc. (PPMI), Aristeo Zafra, general manager of BancNet, and PesoNet Steering Committee chairperson John Ong, as panelists. This was followed by a September lecture on “Creating Value in Instilling Effective Governance in the Business of the Conglomerates” by Jesus Estanislao, chairman of the Center for Excellence Governance; a talk on the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) Directions for 2019 by BAP managing director Benjamin Castillo in October; and in November, an orientation on the Tax Reforms Impacting the Banking Industry, delivered by executive director Trinidad Rodriguez of the National Tax Research Center.
BAIPHIL’s 2019 GMM series opened with a presentation by Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Roadmap on Regulatory and Supervising Technology Solutions for the Banking System. The Roadmap takes into account the current financial technology and payments landscape, characterized by increasing reliance on technology, rapid pace of innovation and escalating cyber threats. It also establishes three basic directions—collaborative engagements, commensurate regulations, and capacity building, each supported by various initiatives that include the “Test and Learn Approach” to financial innovations, the issuance of relevant circulars and guidelines covering new technology-driven products and processes, broader and faster adoption of the National Retail Payment System, and stronger cyber-security measures. “BSP strives to be forward-looking and to promote financial innovations, but we also have to establish safeguards for consumer protection,” DG Fonacier stressed during her talk.
Shifting to a non-banking but equally, if not more important topic, the GMM in February provided valuable insights into keeping healthy and fit, towards increasing personal effectiveness and productivity. Dr. Jude Erric Cinco of The Medical City Intensive Care Unit, connected strongly with his audience of bankers as he presented, “Self-care Practices to Nourish Your Heart, Body and Soul with Proper Nutrition, Exercise and Stress Management.”
Engaging the membership
While education and training are at the core of BAIPHIL’s mission, and therefore account for the bulk of its programs and projects, the Board also sees the need to promote membership engagement. Last year, several activities meant to strengthen fellowship and sense of family were undertaken, including the hosting of a Bankers Night to highlight the entry of new members into the organization, and the yearend get-together.
From March 14–16, BAIPHIL combines the seriousness of learning, the levity of fellowship, and the promise of a relaxing work break to encourage its members to join the BAIPHIL Convention at the Baguio Country Club, capping the celebration of the BAIPHIL Week. The Convention is intended to be both educational and entertaining, bringing together a lineup of subject matter experts on current and emerging financial technology, as well as providing a healthy dose of fun activities to stimulate both learning and fellowship among the participants. Officials from the BSP, Asean Economic Community, SEC and PDIC will be among the event’s main resource persons.
“We are heartened by the constant support the BSP and other partners and stakeholders extend to us,” Gavino muses. “With their recognition and guidance, we are better able not only to carry out our mission, but also to aspire and explore a loftier, more meaningful future for BAIPHIL and its members.”