BDO Unibank and its partner American Express are coming together to support local businesses, those hit hardest by the pandemic, by bringing the credit card company’s global Shop Small movement to the Philippines.

To encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses, BDO and American Express are launching a special offer of 5 times rewards for purchases made at participating Shop Small merchants using BDO-issued American Express Cards from March 15 to June 30, 2021.

With over 1,000 merchant locations, ranging from retail shops, restaurants and specialty stores, reward points earned can be used to redeem a reward of choice from a selection of gift certificates, gadgets, appliance, air miles and more.

“Together with BDO, we are bringing Shop Small to the Philippines to lend our support to local businesses. They are such an important part of our lives, and they have been particularly affected by the pandemic,” said Sanjiv Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Services, South East Asia and South Pacific, American Express.

He added that, “We want to play our part to support them and we hope our Shop Small movement encourages everyone to support their local businesses.”

Started in 2010 in the United States, American Express’ Shop Small is a movement to celebrate the contributions local businesses make to their communities and the economy, and to encourage shoppers to support them.

Since then, it has been introduced in countries around the world including Singapore, Australia, the UK, India and Japan.

“Shop Small is one of the ways we can support local businesses in the country,” said BDO Senior Vice President and Consumer Banking Marketing Head Ma. Nannette R. Regala.

She noted that, “With this initiative, we’re encouraging Filipino shoppers to do their share and help small and medium enterprises bounce back. Every spend can help make a difference.”