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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider BPI at 174: From Peso Fuerte to future-forward finance

BPI at 174: From Peso Fuerte to future-forward finance

Published Aug 4, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Aug 3, 2025 03:34 pm
SPEAKING OUT
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) marks its 174th founding anniversary with more than solid numbers—it celebrates resilience, relevance, and a renewed commitment to enabling dreams and driving inclusive progress.
Tradition of gratitude community
As is customary, the celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila. Held last Friday in person and streamed online, the service brought together BPI’s directors, officers, and frontline teams from across its subsidiaries—a solemn yet joyful reminder of shared purpose and grace.
Innovation and well-being
This year’s festivities also showcased two key milestones. BPI unveiled its most advanced “phygital” branch, seamlessly blending physical and digital experiences to serve a new generation of clients. And in a nod to employee wellness and community, the bank inaugurated its very own indoor gym for Unibankers—turning its commitment to well-being into concrete action.
Steady performance, expansive purpose
With a ₱33 billion net income in the first half of 2025—up 7.8 percent year-on-year—BPI continues to grow on strong fundamentals. Revenues reached ₱92.6 billion, lifted by loan portfolio expansion, margin improvement, and thriving fee-based businesses in credit cards, insurance, and wealth management.
The bank also raised ₱40 billion through its second tranche of BPI SINAG Bonds, directing funding to sustainable and inclusive development projects across the country.
Limcaoco and Zobel: On transformation and trust
“Our 174th year is not just a celebration of longevity,” said President and CEO TG Limcaoco, “but of the values, the impact, and the people who continue to define who we are.” He emphasized the evolving role of banking—one rooted in human connections, where each loan or savings account represents dreams ignited.
Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala offered a stirring reflection on the bank’s legacy—not merely as a financial institution, but as a steadfast partner in Philippine nation-building. Emphasizing gratitude, purpose, and collective impact, he urged BPI to deepen its relevance and embrace the future with courage and empathy. “What has anchored us through all of it is a belief that banking can be a force for good”. Service, not profit, defines the heart of BPI’s journey and its enduring commitment to empowering Filipinos.
Do More 174
This year’s theme, Do More 174, sets the tone for Do More Philippines—a movement that goes beyond banking. It’s about helping every Filipino thrive, strengthening communities, and embracing the role of financial institutions as partners in building a better future.
“It’s a call to bring banking to more Filipinos, enable more dreams, and be an active force in shaping a better tomorrow,” said Limcaoco.
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