In a vibrant display of partnership and shared vision, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) South Luzon Regional Office (SLRO) recently held its “2025 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony” (OBSAC), recognizing nine institutional partners for their pivotal role in advancing the central bank’s mission.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (top row, 3rd from left), BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (top row, 2nd from right), and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo (top row, 2nd from left) led the recognition ceremony for outstanding partners of the BSP South Luzon Regional Office
The event, held on August 8, 2025, in Naga City, brought together leaders and innovators from across a vast and diverse region, all united by a common goal: to build a more financially inclusive and stable Philippines.
Partnership expands BSP’s reach, strengthens ties
Addressing the distinguished guests and awardees, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. delivered a message that resonated with the spirit of collaboration. “The SLRO may not be our biggest regional office, but it is definitely our most expansive,” he remarked, underscoring the unique geographical challenges faced by the region.
The SLRO’s jurisdiction spans nearly 800 kilometers, stretching from the far reaches of Southern Palawan all the way to the island province of Catanduanes.
This immense scale, the BSP Governor explained, presents a formidable challenge in delivering financial services and implementing policies. However, it also reaffirms a simple yet powerful truth: “We are here; we are better together.” His words highlighted how the BSP’s presence and effectiveness in these far-flung areas are made possible through the unwavering support of its on-the-ground partners.
Echoing this sentiment, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat praised the awardees for their crucial contributions. “You have helped bring our vision of financial inclusion closer to reality and made our programs more meaningful for ordinary Filipinos,” she stated.
Honoring partners who empower financial stability
Program hosts announcing the names of the awardees
The OBSAC, which first began in 2004, has become a hallmark event for the BSP, serving as an annual platform to honor those who have actively supported the central bank’s three core mandates: ensuring price stability, maintaining financial stability, and establishing a safe and efficient payments and settlements system.
The ceremony is more than just a formal affair; it is a testament to the fact that the BSP’s success is deeply intertwined with the efforts of its partners, who act as its extended arms in the community.
This year’s awardees were selected for their exceptional work in advancing various BSP initiatives. They were recognized for their dedication to key areas such as promoting gold buying to boost local economies, championing financial inclusion and education, enhancing currency management, and facilitating the adoption of digital payments. Each awardee’s story is a chapter in the larger narrative of economic empowerment for South Luzon.
Among the institutional partners honored were the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), with both its Lucena Guinto Branch and Cash Operations Unit, and its Naga Rotunda Branch receiving recognition.
As a state-owned bank, LBP is a critical ally in expanding the central bank’s reach, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors, ensuring that essential banking services and cash operations are available to those who need them most.
Similarly, the Provincial Governments of Quezon and Camarines Norte were lauded for their partnership in promoting financial literacy programs and supporting local economic development initiatives that align with the BSP’s goals.
Celebrating grassroots catalysts for economic growth
JMH Microfinance executives together with BSP Governor Remolona (left), Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo (2nd from left), and BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (right)
The ceremony also shone a spotlight on organizations at the forefront of grassroots empowerment. The CARD Banking Group and JMH Microfinance, Inc. were celebrated for their indispensable work in microfinance, providing millions of Filipinos with access to credit and other financial services that are vital for starting and growing small businesses. These organizations are not just financial providers but catalysts for poverty reduction and economic resilience in their communities.
For its role in public education, DWMR Radyo Pilipinas Palawan was honored for its efforts in disseminating crucial information on financial literacy, consumer protection, and the importance of digital payments to communities that are often difficult to reach.
Meanwhile, the Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation was recognized for its collaboration in integrating financial education into its academic programs, helping to build a generation of financially savvy Filipinos. The Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives was also acknowledged for its work in strengthening the cooperative movement and promoting a culture of savings and responsible borrowing.
This year’s SLRO OBSAC follows a similar appreciation ceremony for the BSP’s Head Office partners, held on July 18, 2025. The event in Naga City is the first in a series of regional ceremonies, with similar events planned for the partners of the BSP offices in North Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
This nationwide initiative is a powerful signal of the BSP’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of its partners in every corner of the archipelago, ensuring that its vision of financial stability and prosperity is a collective reality. The ceremony was a reminder that while the BSP provides the framework, it is the dedicated efforts of its partners that truly bring the mission to life, making a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
