BPI Direct BanKo Inc., the microfinance-focused banking arm of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), has opened three branches in Aklan and Antique as it expands its presence in provincial markets ahead of its merger with Legazpi Savings Bank.
BanKo president Rodolfo Mabiasen Jr. led the blessing of the new branches in Tangalan, Aklan, and Pandan and Tobias Fornier in Antique on Aug. 13 and 14.
The Tangalan branch is located along the National Highway in Poblacion, while the Pandan branch is in Centro Sur and the Tobias Fornier branch along Rizal Street.
“BanKo continues to provide accessible and hassle-free banking services to the entire community,” the lender said.
The expansion comes ahead of BanKo’s formal absorption of Legazpi Savings Bank on Oct. 1, consolidating two BPI thrift banking units under a single entity.
The merger has secured approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Philippine Competition Commission.
BPI’s board authorized management to pursue the transaction in December 2025. The boards of BanKo and Legazpi Savings Bank approved the merger in January, followed by stockholder approval in May.
BPI has said the consolidation would strengthen the combined entity’s capital structure, generate cost synergies and unify governance and risk-management frameworks.
The lender also expects the integration to broaden its client base and strengthen the BPI Group’s position in retail banking markets.
