This donation enables World Vision Philippines to distribute 1,024 Hope Kits to families in communities affected by disasters. Each kit contains essential items including blankets, a mosquito net, and a sleeping mat, helping address the immediate needs of disaster-stricken and displaced families.
One year, they're working from home. The next, they're freelancing. Some are building small businesses while juggling side hustles. Others are saving for their first solo trip, paying off gadgets in installments, or helping support their families while trying to build a future of their own.
They are making financial decisions earlier than previous generations, but they are also making them differently.
This shift has changed the way they think about almost everything they spend on, from entertainment and transportation to banking and shopping. They expect products to be simple, digital, flexible, and available when they need them.
For many Filipinos, applying for a personal loan can still mean preparing documents, completing multiple requirements, and making repeated trips to the bank. But borrowing for a bigger goal doesn't have to be that complicated.
CEO Jerry Ngo shares bank’s success story on its employee retirement readiness program
EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo speaks at the BSP-sponsored PERA@Work Forum on advancing retirement readiness among Filipino workers
East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) championed the role of employers in strengthening retirement readiness among Filipino workers at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-subsidized PERA@Work: Powering Employer-led Retirement Security Forum.
Speaking at the forum, EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo shared the Bank's experience as the first universal bank in the Philippines to launch a voluntary Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contribution program for employees.
.jpg)
Health, security, and peace of mind are becoming just as important as compensation
For many Filipinos, work has always been about more than just earning a living. It is about providing for loved ones, building a better future, and creating a sense of security for the people who matter most. Today, however, the way employees evaluate job opportunities is evolving. While salary remains an important consideration, many are increasingly looking beyond compensation such as healthcare access, family protection, financial security, work-life balance, and overall well-being.
Recent studies suggest this shift is becoming more pronounced. Aon's 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study found 64% of Filipino employees are considering changing employers within the next year, highlighting the growing importance of creating a workplace experience that goes beyond a paycheck.
These initiatives earned EastWest three major recognitions from Asian Banking & Finance (ABF): Mid-Sized Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines and Analytics Initiative of the Year – Philippines, both for the second consecutive year at the Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards, and its first IPO Deal of the Year – Philippines award at the Asian Banking and Finance Corporate and Investment Banking Awards.
The awards demonstrate the impact of EastWest’s continued push to make banking more intuitive, accessible, and relevant to customers’ evolving financial needs. The Bank combines digital convenience with personal, advisory-led service across its store network which provides customers with more ways to transact, seek guidance, and manage their money with confidence. In 2025, digital transactions accounted for 51% of total transactions, while new digital onboarding capabilities enabled customers to open accounts and access services with less time and effort.
EastWest also completed customer journey improvements across digital onboarding, dispute resolution, complaints handling, and in-store experience. These enhancements helped drive an eight-point improvement in the Bank’s Net Promoter Score and a lower complaints ratio, reflecting stronger customer experience outcomes.
“Our progress begins with understanding what customers genuinely need and removing the friction that can get in their way,” said Ms. Ivy B. Uy, EVP and Head of Branch Banking Group. “Whether they are opening an account, exploring an investment, growing a business, or planning for the future, we want every interaction with EastWest to feel more relevant, thoughtful, and easy.”
The same customer-first discipline also shaped EastWest’s award-winning analytics initiative. As market conditions evolved and customer preferences shifted, the Bank used data-driven insights to better understand how customers manage savings, investments, and liquidity across different life stages and financial goals.
These insights gave EastWest Stores and relationship managers a stronger basis for meaningful customer conversations, enabling more personalized guidance on fixed-income investment options while supporting both immediate needs and long-term financial planning.
Beyond retail banking, EastWest was also recognized for its role in expanding access to the Philippine capital market as a Domestic Participating Underwriter for the initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
Completed in November 2025, the transaction became one of the largest initial public offerings in Philippine history and drew strong investor interest, reinforcing confidence in the country’s capital markets.
Through its distribution network and client relationships, EastWest helped support domestic and retail investor participation, contributing to a more diversified shareholder base. The offering also strengthened Maynilad’s capital base for long-term water and wastewater infrastructure investments while broadening its access to funding.
“These recognitions reflect different strengths of the Bank, but they are connected by one purpose: creating meaningful value for the people and institutions we serve,” Uy added. “They encourage us to keep listening, learning, and finding better ways to help our customers move forward.”
EastWest’s latest ABF wins validate its customer-focused growth strategy: using insight to make financial decisions more relevant, improving access across physical and digital channels, and connecting more Filipinos to opportunities in banking and investment.
From July 30 to August 2, 2026, ArteFino's Isang Dekada edition will bring together more than 100 Filipino brands across The Fifth, North Court, South Court, and Lifestyle Hall at Power Plant Mall in Makati City.
Throughout the four-day event, Security Bank cardholders will enjoy complimentary admission upon presentation of their Security Bank card, a dedicated payment lane for faster checkout, and flexible payment options, including 0% ChargeLight Installment for up to 12 months or Charge Now, Pay Later on a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP10,000.
"ArteFino has always been about celebrating the people behind the craft. The makers, the stories, and the traditions they carry forward. That's something we're proud to support," said Tanya Deakin, Corporate Communications Division Head of Security Bank. "As we celebrate 75 years of BetterBanking, we're grateful to partner with organizations that create opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs while giving our clients access to experiences they'll genuinely enjoy."
King Domingo, Client Experience Lead, Sun Life Philippines; Daureen Andal, Chief Product Solutions Officer, Sun Life Philippines; and Tim Charlton, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Insurance Asia Magazine
Sun Life Philippines has been recognized for excellence in both innovation and employee engagement, winning two honors at the Insurance Asia Awards 2026:
Insurance Product Innovation of the Year – Philippines for Sun Life EasyLink Protect
,%20Inc.%20Reaffirms%20Commitment%20to%20Helping%20OFWs%20Come%20Home%20for%20Good.png)
Held in Cebu and Iloilo, the initiative brought together migrant workers, seafarers, dependents, and stakeholders for a day focused on health, financial literacy, and community support.
On-site services and informational sessions were provided by government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth. Meanwhile, healthcare services were delivered by Physicians Diagnostic Services Center Inc., which offered physical examinations, blood sugar testing, and a wellness lecture addressing the unique health challenges faced by seafarers.
From left to right: Daniel Han (Head Acquiring, JCB International Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Malaysia Branch), Kenta Yanase (Country Manager, JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Malaysia Branch), Shimpei Yamaguchi (Managing Director of JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.), Eng Sheng Guan (Chief Executive Officer of Fiuu), Jacqueline Lim (Chief Business Development Officer of Fiuu) and Oon Wee Keong (Chief Operating Officer of Fiuu)
Fiuu, the leading fintech platform in Southeast Asia, has secured a JCB Direct Acquiring license as a Regional Acquirer across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The milestone strengthens Fiuu’s card acquiring capabilities by enabling Fiuu to connect directly with JCB and process transactions in-house, reducing reliance on intermediaries and giving merchants a more dependable way to accept JCB payments across online and offline channels.
.jpg)
Learning how to set rates is one of the hardest parts of freelancing. It can be difficult to know whether you’re charging too much, too little, or just enough. If you’re a young freelancer trying to figure it out, here’s an expert guide to pricing your work from three seasoned professionals.
Start with a minimum sustainable rate
For many new freelancers, the first step in pricing starts with an important personal consideration: How much do you actually need to earn to make freelancing sustainable? For finance expert Arnel Legaspi, this means building a baseline rate that reflects the minimum needed to sustain both your personal and work expenses.
As part of its commitment to delivering BetterBanking, Security Bank is making fund transfers free for all customers starting July 10, 2026.
For years, free fund transfers have been among the exclusive benefits enjoyed by the Bank's Gold, Wealth, Corporate, and Business Banking clients. Beginning July 10, 2026, Security Bank is extending this benefit to all customers, making everyday banking simpler, more convenient, and more affordable.
Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform, won two accolades at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026—Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category and Silver in the Consumer Launch category. Its Welcome to Maya Black campaign was also shortlisted in the PR Event category.
Maya took home Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category, a new award under the Effectiveness track, for its 2025 campaign, Save a Housemate. Save with Maya.
Billease, one of the Philippines’ leading consumer finance and buy-now-pay-later platforms, today reported audited consolidated results for the financial year ended 31 December 2025. Revenue grew more than 80% to US$151.2 million and net profit reached US$13.6 million, extending Billease’s multi-year track record of profitability—a rare position in a market where the majority of digital banks and lenders remain in the red.
The platform’s gross loan book grew more than 77% to US$212.1 million, total assets reached US$233.5 million, and Billease now onboards more than 100,000 new customers every month. The business delivered a return on assets of roughly 6.8%.
.jpeg)
The Conrado Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (Alcantara Foundation) was recognized as a Finalist in the Outstanding CSR Project for Arts and Culture category at the 2026 CSR Guild Awards, held on June 30, 2026 at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City, for its corporate social responsibility initiative with Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev).
Recognition was given for the Alcantara Foundation and Alsons Dev’s joint project aimed at strengthening Davao City’s creative industry. A key milestone is the 2025 Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit, a multi-stakeholder platform that convened over 300 artists, cultural workers, and representatives from the government, academe, and private sector to identify sector needs, co-develop strategies, and help build an enabling environment for creative growth.
For years, Robi Domingo has been one of the country's most recognizable television personalities, effortlessly hosting live shows, interviewing celebrities, and becoming a familiar face in Filipino homes. Away from the spotlight, however, he has embraced a role that's redefining what success means to him - an entrepreneur, employer, and leader.
Alongside his thriving media career, Robi has expanded into entrepreneurship through his ventures in the milk tea industry and his food business, Oink. While building successful businesses has been rewarding, it has also given him a new perspective on leadership and responsibility. "They're both challenging in very different ways. When you're in front of the camera, the pressure is immediate. You have to think on your feet and deliver your best because you only have one chance to get it right," he shares. "Running a business is a different kind of pressure because it's long-term. You're not just thinking about yourself anymore - you think about your business partners, your employees, your customers, and the families that depend on the business. Every decision, whether it's marketing, product development, or operations, has a ripple effect."
Security Bank officially concluded its 12 Gifts of Christmas Raffle Promo after successfully awarding two BYD Sealion 6 DM-i units to lucky clients, marking one of the Bank’s biggest raffle prize giveaways to date.
The campaign rewarded clients for saving and maintaining deposits with Security Bank while encouraging greater engagement through digital banking channels. Over the course of the promo, clients nationwide had the opportunity to win premium prizes through multiple raffle draws, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to making saving more rewarding for Filipinos.
A specialized program, CTEP equipped participating advisors with advanced knowledge across six comprehensive modules covering estate planning fundamentals, estate taxation, wills and trust strategies, gifting and life insurance planning, business succession arrangements, and special powers of attorney.
Delivered by seasoned financial industry experts, the CTEP curriculum combined comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical case studies, enabling advisors to apply learning immediately to real-world client scenarios involving business succession, philanthropic structuring, and incapacity planning.
Best Next-Generation Offering - Philippines
Best Private Bank for Client Experience – Philippines
Excellence in Intergenerational Services by a Private Bank
This is the premise of InLife's latest campaign featuring InLife's Dreamweaver Sharon Cuneta, which encourages Filipinos to rethink what truly belongs on their essentials list. Through familiar grocery staples and relatable life moments, the campaign delivers a timely reminder that insurance is no longer just a luxury but an essential part of protecting the people and future we value most.
Halfway through 2026 isn't just another milestone on the calendar, it's an opportunity to check whether your financial habits are still helping you get where you want to go. Because the smartest financial plans aren't the ones you never change, they're the ones that evolve as life does.
Whether your priorities have shifted or you're simply looking to finish the year stronger, here are six practical ways to give your finances a mid-year reset with Maya, the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform.
True financial security requires not just an income but also the right partner to achieve it.
Many people believe they have achieved financial independence when they can provide for their basic needs, pay the bills and still enjoy life’s little luxuries.
But ask anyone who has experienced a serious illness, lost a loved one unexpectedly, or reached retirement without adequate savings, and they will tell you that income alone does not guarantee financial security.
Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation (“Security Bank Capital”), the wholly owned investment banking arm of Security Bank Corporation, has been named Best Debt Capital Markets (DCM) House – Domestic at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026 held in Hong Kong on June 25, 2026.
As it marks its 75th anniversary, Security Bank is rolling out a range of offers that give customers more ways to be rewarded, whether they’re financing a car or home, using their credit card, or building a deeper relationship with the Bank.
Anchored on its theme, “With you then. With you now. With you always,” the anniversary promotions reflect the Bank’s focus on supporting customers through key moments and everyday financial needs, while delivering meaningful value across its core products.
Gold Circle: Expanded access and everyday benefits
Among the highlights is expanded access to Gold Circle, the Bank’s priority banking program. Until July 31, 2026, eligible customers who take out a qualifying home or auto loan will be granted Gold Circle status.
Joyce Tan, a Wais Home Credit customer since 2020, bought her iPhone 13 in 2021 with the added peace of mind of HOME CREDIT PROTECT. A Gen Z professional living independently in Taguig, Joyce balanced her work, rent, bills, and daily expenses while finding practical ways to manage lifestyle purchases with Home Credit products and services. This one move of buying her phone with Home Credit Protect, unexpectedly guarded her from an unforeseen medical emergency that surfaced in her life with sudden changes in her blood pressure eventually needing her to be hospitalized for Stage 2 hypertension.
This shift fueled the rise of Moneymaxxing, a growing mindset focused on getting more value from the money you're already spending—whether that's through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply using the right financial tools for the right purchases.
Credit cards, when used strategically, can play an important role in that equation.
Hitting 30 is a MAJOR vibe shift. It’s that era when you outgrow the temporary and start investing in the enduring. You’re no longer just getting by—you’re rethinking your priorities with goals that offer a long-term value. At this stage, you choose the ones that give you peace of mind and focus on things that you’ve always wanted.
1. Trade the “sana” mindset into a “now na!” strategy
Adulthood isn't about having a massive windfall, it’s about having a system. Instead of keeping all your money in one "everything" pile, giving your funds to a specific home—like a dedicated savings or checking account—is the first step toward stability
Across Asia, an estimated USD5.8 trillion* in family wealth is expected to change hands between generations by 2030, the largest intergenerational transfer in the region’s history. Yet despite growing awareness of the need to plan, most families haven’t taken the steps to protect what they’ve built. Wills go unwritten. Succession plans stay unfinished. And wealth that took decades to build can unravel in a single transition.
What people don’t always see about freelancing is the reality of irregular income, delayed payments, and taxes fees that chip away at their earnings before it even gets to them. Here’s how freelancers Andrea Sumida, Founder and Creative Strategist of Kohi Social, and Lyn Cepillo, a content creator and social media manager, work around this challenge.
Build your budget around your most conservative income month.
“When I first started freelancing, one of my biggest struggles was treating every payment like stable income.” Andrea shares, “Since projects and payments were irregular, there were months that felt abundant and others that felt very tight. I also underestimated how important budgeting, emergency funds, and cash flow management were as a freelancer.”
While navigating freelance income, Andrea realized the importance of budgeting and managing cash flow.
Saving in your salary account is a financial situationship you need to exit, and you can easily start fresh with better rates on GSave by GCash.
Everyone has done it: using your first payroll account as your “everything” account because you’ve had it for so long, and opening a new one takes too long. It’s easier to just stay in that comfortable "situationship" with your payroll account, but the only thing that will come out of it is giving up your hard-earned money’s growth.
But when there are better options out there that give you better rates for close to no effort, your payroll account becomes the dead weight to financial independence.
Expanding support for DepEd with learner protection, teacher wellness, and Brigada Eskwela initiatives
EastWest Rural Bank donated 20 smartphones to DepEd Learner Support Center to strengthen responsiveness of learner protection services nationwide, including mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying response.
As classes open nationwide this June, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB)—EastWest Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm—is strengthening its support for both students and educators. The Bank is rolling out a multi-faceted program focused on learner protection, teacher wellness, and community engagement initiatives in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
PNB Makati Center stands at the core of Makati’s renewed business district. Under PNB Holdings, the building aligns with the district’s shift through adaptive reuse.
At first glance, the Makati business district projects a sense of permanence, its skyline defined by a mix of legacy towers and modern developments. Yet beneath this, leasing activity once softened as businesses explored newer hubs across the metro.
Come 2026, it held its ground anew, particularly along Ayala Avenue as it recorded most of the leasing activities for the first quarter of the year, the highest among Metro Manila submarkets. At the center of this resurgence is PNB Makati Center, a focal point in Makati’s second act and its evolving business landscape.
The new school year is looking brighter as Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) brings a fresh start to four schools across the country for Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education’s annual volunteer-led school maintenance initiative.
This year, efforts were poured into transforming Taguig City’s Daanghari Elementary School. 119 volunteer Sun Life advisors and employees repainted hallways and classroom furniture following initial works to repair damages and improve safety and accessibility of the school grounds. To bolster the school’s disaster preparedness, Sun Life Foundation also donated 450 hard hats for students and school staff.
Joining the drive were members of Sun Life’s leadership: JJ Moreno, Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head; Joy Castillo, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and Sun Life Foundation President; Al Cruz, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer and Sun Life Foundation Vice President; and Kristine Millete, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director.
With Sun Life Foundation’s support, Sun Life employees and advisors also mounted Brigada Eskwela drives across three schools in the provinces: Kabugwason Elementary School in Bacolod City; Donato M. Pison Sr. Memorial School in Iloilo City; and Divisoria Elementary School in Zamboanga City. Together, the volunteers made repairs, cleaned, and repainted classrooms, helping bring the schools into shape for the opening of classes.
As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s top life insurance company in terms of premium income, Sun Life Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that enhance educational opportunities and learning capabilities of Filipino children nationwide.
Here are a few dad-approved ways to moneymaxx with Maya, the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform.
Few institutions remain relevant for 75 years.
Security Bank is marking the milestone with growing customer adoption, disciplined execution, and a clear focus on delivering strong outcomes for customers, shareholders, and communities.
Founded in 1951 as the first private and Filipino-controlled bank established after the Second World War, Security Bank has grown alongside the country's development, serving generations of individuals, entrepreneurs, corporations, and institutions across the Philippines through changing economic cycles, technological shifts, and evolving customer expectations.
“What defines the Bank is consistent execution, especially in periods of uncertainty,” said Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Bank. “For 75 years, we have focused on serving customers well while adapting to change. Customer expectations will continue to evolve, and our responsibility is to keep improving how we serve them while staying grounded in the discipline and long-term thinking that have shaped the Bank through generations.”
The company now ranks 7th in Total Premium Income (TPI) and 5th in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent Income (NBAPE), outpacing industry averages in both revenue growth and new business generation.
Manulife has been named the number one life insurance company for AI maturity overall for the second consecutive year in the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance, is now the top insurer in Canada and number one in the AI Leadership category and ranks third overall. These accolades highlight Manulife’s ability to scale AI-driven innovation across its global footprint, delivering measurable business value and impact, and accelerating its strategic priority to operate as an AI-powered organization.
“We’re proud to be named the number one life insurer for AI maturity for the second year in a row—and are now a top three company overall. This is a powerful validation of Manulife’s refreshed enterprise strategy, and our commitment to being an AI-powered organization globally,” said Phil Witherington, President and CEO, Manulife. “As we continue to scale, we are focused on disciplined execution and responsible deployment. We expect to generate more than $1 billion of enterprise value by 2027, with $300 million achieved as of year-end 2025, reinforcing that our approach is not only improving productivity and efficiency, but also delivering real impact for our customers, colleagues and shareholders.”
The program reflects the Bank’s deliberate commitment to investing in people.
Over 80 bankers from EastWest completed the Singapore Management University (SMU) Wealth Management Programme
East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) marked the graduation of over 80 bankers from the Singapore Management University (SMU) Wealth Management Programme, reinforcing the Bank’s strategic investment in talent development and client-centered advisory excellence.
MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) and Security Bank Corporation brought together leaders from government, finance, and industry at MUFG N0W (Net Zero World) Manila 2026, MUFG’s flagship regional thought leadership platform focused on the role of finance, innovation, and partnerships in Asia’s sustainable growth.
Now in its third year in the Philippines, MUFG N0W has become a key forum for discussions on the forces shaping the region's future. This year's event explored how governments, businesses, and financial institutions can work together to strengthen energy security, accelerate investment, and support long-term growth in an increasingly complex operating environment.
As EastWest continues to invest in these capabilities and expand its wealth management offerings, its efforts have earned global recognition. The Bank recently received two honors at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards: the Wealth Management team was awarded Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management, while the Trust & Asset Management Group was recognized for Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering in the Philippines.
Security Bank announced today that John Cary Ong has decided to step down as Head of the Wholesale Banking Segment (WBS).
Mr. Ong has been a valued member of Security Bank's leadership team and has contributed to the growth and development of the Bank's wholesale banking franchise. "John has made meaningful contributions to our wholesale banking business, and we thank him for his leadership and service. We wish him every success in his future endeavors," said Security Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Lee.
.jpg)
MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) and Security Bank Corporation brought together leaders from government, finance, and industry at MUFG N0W (Net Zero World) Manila 2026, MUFG’s flagship regional thought leadership platform focused on the role of finance, innovation, and partnerships in Asia’s sustainable growth.
Now in its third year in the Philippines, MUFG N0W has become a key forum for discussions on the forces shaping the region's future. This year's event explored how governments, businesses, and financial institutions can work together to strengthen energy security, accelerate investment, and support long-term growth in an increasingly complex operating environment.
The forum comes at a pivotal time for the region. As the Philippines chairs the ASEAN, energy security, regional connectivity, and sustainable finance have emerged as key priorities. Against this backdrop, discussions focused on the investments, technologies, and partnerships needed to build a more resilient, competitive, and future-ready economy.
.jpg)
The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between MUFG and Security Bank. Over the past decade, the alliance has strengthened Security Bank's ability to connect clients to global expertise, capital, and cross-border opportunities while supporting investments in sectors critical to the country's long-term development.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Mario Marasigan, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy and Michael Peter Alejandro, Undersecretary of the Department of Finance, both highlighted the country’s priorities for energy security, resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Usec. Marasigan said: “We commend this enduring collaboration as a strong example of how private sector alignment can drive growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. This event sends a clear signal from the financial community that energy transition is not only an environmental merit but also a strategic investment opportunity.”
He underscored the Philippines’ commitment to a pragmatic energy transition that balances clean energy goals with reliability, affordability, and growth. Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country is targeting 35% renewable energy by 2030 and more than 50% by 2040.
.jpg)
To achieve this, the government is driving reforms that welcome foreign investment, modernize the grid, and expand energy storage and microgrids. Efforts also include scaling up renewable energy alongside natural gas, promoting energy efficiency and electric vehicles, and mobilizing private capital through innovative financing.
He further added: “The Department of Energy is committed to making the Philippines a preferred destination for clean energy investment in Southeast Asia. We will continue our efforts to reform, simplify, and improve the investment environment, while engaging in regional exchanges of best practices to accelerate decarbonization and drive a successful energy transition.”
In his remarks, Usec. Alejandro underscored the Philippines’ proactive and forward-looking approach in navigating global economic and climate challenges, emphasizing that “climate risks are economic risks.”
.jpg)
He highlighted the country’s strong economic fundamentals—robust GDP growth, a young and dynamic workforce, and a stable investment climate—alongside bold reforms such as the CREATE MORE Act, the PPP Code, and the Investors’ Lease Act. Together, these measures signal the Philippines’ commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and accelerating infrastructure development.
Yukinobu Saeki, Chief Executive for MUFG APAC, in his welcome remarks said: “Asia Pacific stands at the forefront of the global transition toward net zero, with the Philippines playing an increasingly pivotal role. As sustainability becomes inextricably linked to energy security and long-term competitiveness, cross-sectoral collaboration is essential. Through MUFG N0W, and in partnership with Security Bank as we mark our 10th anniversary, we are moving beyond dialogue to action—mobilizing the capital and expertise needed to support the country’s transition to a sustainable future.”
Colin Chen, Head of Sustainable Finance for MUFG APAC, added: “Sustainable finance in Asia is entering a more nuanced phase, with greater focus on industrial transition and supply chain resilience. For the Philippines, one of our fastest-growing markets for sustainable finance in the region, we see a renewed focus on achieving greater self-sufficiency in renewable energy capacity. while building a system that is reliable, affordable, and scalable. With our deep network within APAC and strong local partnership with Security Bank, we will continue to help connect capital and expertise to meet real world project needs.”
.jpg)
The discussions were grounded in real-world financing experience. Over the past decade, MUFG and Security Bank have supported a range of landmark transactions that demonstrate how capital can advance economic growth, energy security, and sustainability objectives.
These include MUFG’s participation in financing Vena Energy’s 300‑megawatt peak Opus Solar Energy Project in Ilocos Norte, the company’s first renewable energy project in the Philippines to be fully financed by international lenders. Security Bank has likewise strengthened its partnership with Vena Group through a green loan supporting the 80.6-megawatt Astra Solar Power Project. Together with adjacent developments financed by Security Bank, these projects contribute to the growth of renewable energy capacity in the region.
The partnership has also supported pioneering sustainable finance transactions, including Ayala Corporation's first sustainability-linked loan, Ayala Land's inaugural sustainability-linked bond, and sustainable trade finance facilities supporting renewable energy commitments by San Miguel Global Power and SN Aboitiz Power Group.
.jpg)
In a leadership dialogue, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Assistant Governor Pia Roman Tayag discussed the role of the financial sector in supporting the country’s transition, resilience, and adaptation agenda.
She highlighted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ role in laying the groundwork for sustainable finance by encouraging banks to treat climate and environmental issues as material financial risks affecting credit quality, asset values, and long-term stability, while emphasizing that the challenge is not looking at the risk, but the opportunities in making it financeable at scale.
Assistant Governor Pia Tayag noted that the BSP’s Sustainable Finance Framework, supervisory expectations, incentives, and taxonomy guidelines have helped build momentum across the sector, while emphasizing that smaller and rural banks remain critical in supporting climate-vulnerable communities, particularly in agriculture, households, and SMEs.
Victor Lee Meng Teck, President & CEO of Security Bank Corporation, said: "The next phase of the Philippines' growth will require significant investment and new ways of thinking across industries. Security Bank is committed to helping clients navigate change and seize opportunity, drawing on the strength of our decade-long partnership with MUFG. MUFG N0W reflects our shared belief that the right ideas, capital, and partnerships will help shape the country's future.”
As Security Bank celebrates its 75th anniversary and MUFG and Security Bank mark a decade of partnership, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting clients, industries, and investments that contribute to the Philippines’ long-term development.
