Gotianun-led East West Banking Corp. and state-run Land Bank of the Philippines were among six institutions recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for supporting its financial inclusion, digital payments and other initiatives in Mindanao.
EastWest’s Cagayan de Oro branch, LandBank’s Cash Operations Unit in Davao and its Cotabato branch were honored at the BSP’s Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony on Sept. 28.
The central bank also recognized the Regional Development Council-Caraga, the Bangsamoro Information Office and the provincial government of South Cotabato.
The awards covered contributions to efficient cash circulation, digital payments and financial inclusion, the regional rollout of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, public information campaigns supporting BSP initiatives and improvements in small-scale gold mining.
“Last year, five out of Mindanao’s six regions grew faster than the average. You contributed to that growth. You have also contributed to BSP initiatives and advocacies, which we thank you for,” Monetary Board member Romeo Bernardo said.
BSP deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the central bank’s partners “understand their communities and help turn policies and programs into practical solutions.”
“A good policy is only the beginning. Its real value is seen when it reaches people and makes a difference in their everyday lives. And today, we recognize you. You are the ones who bring this work closer to the people we serve,” she said.
The Mindanao ceremony capped the BSP’s 2026 stakeholder appreciation series, following events for North Luzon in July, the head office and South Luzon in August, and the Visayas in September.
The annual awards, launched in 2004, recognize institutions that support the BSP’s mandates on price and financial stability and the development of a safe and efficient payments and settlements system.
