Teachers and non-teaching employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) are set to have a more digital way of applying for loans from China Bank Savings (CBS) as the bank works with PLDT Enterprise and Samsung Electronics Philippines to bring its lending teams closer to borrowers in the field.
The initiative combines CBS’ Automatic Payroll Deduction (APD) loan platform with Smart connectivity and Samsung mobile devices, allowing the bank’s authorized personnel to process loan applications digitally while working in schools, DepEd offices, and other locations.
At the center of the initiative is the APD Smart App, an internal digital loan origination platform developed by CBS. The application allows its field personnel to facilitate APD loan applications without relying solely on traditional, paper-based processes.
For educators who may be based far from bank branches, the shift could make the loan application process more accessible by bringing CBS’ lending teams directly to them.
Taking digital lending beyond the bank branch
IMAGE CREDIT: China Bank Savings (CBS)
The development reflects a broader shift in financial services, where banks are using mobile technology and connectivity to reach customers outside traditional branch networks.
For CBS, the approach builds on its existing APD distribution model for DepEd employees. The bank’s field personnel can use Samsung mobile devices connected through Smart to access the APD Smart App and process applications while on location.
The setup is intended to improve the mobility of CBS’ lending teams while allowing the bank to expand its reach across geographically dispersed areas.
CBS is also the first DepEd-accredited Private Lending Institution (PLI) to receive DepEd approval for the digital APD initiative through the APD Smart App, according to the companies.
The development gives the bank another way to serve educators who may not have convenient access to a branch, while allowing loan origination to take place closer to where borrowers work.
“Serving our customers well means giving our people the ability to respond to them wherever they may be. This mobility initiative gives our lending teams greater flexibility to work in the field while supporting our efforts to make financial services more accessible to DepEd teachers,” said James Christian Dee, President of China Bank Savings.
Dee said CBS also values its relationship with PLDT Enterprise, which has supported the bank as its technology requirements have evolved.
A partnership that has evolved with CBS’ needs
From left: Joshua Montecillo, Jecyn Chua-Teng, Victor Genuino, James Christian Dee, Niel Jumawan, Roman Han, and Kit Andal of PLDT Enterprise, China Bank Savings, and Samsung Electronics Philippines.
The latest initiative builds on a relationship between CBS and PLDT Enterprise that dates back to 2007, when the bank used PLDT services for fixed voice and branch connectivity.
The partnership later expanded to support CBS’ APDS loans business in 2018. The bank subsequently moved to software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) in 2022 and added wireless services for various lending units.
The latest collaboration brings those connectivity capabilities into CBS’ field lending operations.
“By enabling their lending officers to stay connected and productive wherever their work takes them, we are helping CBS build a more agile operating model that supports both business growth and its goal of widening access to financial services,” said Victor S. Genuino, Head of PLDT Enterprise Key Industries Group and President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc.
For PLDT Enterprise, the initiative illustrates how connectivity can play a role beyond basic communications, particularly as financial institutions increasingly use digital tools to bring services closer to customers.
Samsung Electronics Philippines is providing the mobile devices used by CBS’ APD field personnel to access the application. The company also hosted the contract signing at its Science Hub Tower 4 offices in McKinley Hill.
“Samsung is pleased to partner with China Bank Savings and PLDT Enterprise for this initiative. By bringing together mobile technology, connectivity, and CBS’ digital platform, this collaboration can help bring banking services closer to educators,” said Roman Han, President of Samsung Electronics Philippines.
Bringing loan applications closer to borrowers
The partnership comes at a time when banks and other financial institutions are looking beyond branches to deliver financial services.
For borrowers, particularly those working in geographically dispersed locations, the ability to complete more parts of the loan application process digitally could reduce the need to travel to a bank branch.
For CBS, meanwhile, the digital setup gives its lending personnel greater flexibility to work in the field while supporting the bank’s existing APD business.
The collaboration brings together the APD Smart App, Samsung mobile devices, and Smart connectivity with CBS’ nationwide field lending network.
Rather than replacing CBS’ established APD model, the technology adds a digital layer to the way the bank reaches and serves DepEd employees.
That shift highlights a broader development in banking: digital transformation is no longer limited to mobile banking apps used by customers. Increasingly, it is also changing how financial institutions bring lending and other services directly to the communities they serve.
From L-R: Joshua Montecillo, AVP and Head of Enterprise & International Wireless Product Management & Marketing, PLDT Enterprise; Jecyn Chua-Teng, VP and Head of Key Industries Group, PLDT Enterprise; Victor Genuino, President and CEO, ePLDT and Vitro Inc., and Head of Key Industries Group, PLDT Enterprise; James Christian Dee, President, China Bank Savings; Niel Jumawan, First Vice President, China Bank Savings; Roman Han, President, Samsung Electronic Philippines; and Kit Andal, Head of Integrated B2B, Samsung Electronic Philippines.
About PLDT Enterprise
PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience. With a strong commitment to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.
For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
About China Bank Savings
China Bank Savings serves the financing and banking needs of educators, SMEs, salaried workers, and retail customers nationwide. The Bank operates through its growing network of 190 branches, 107 lending centers and branch-lite units, 301 ATMs, and digitally enabled customer touchpoints.
Through its commitment to accessible and inclusive banking, CBS remains true to its brand promise: “Easy Banking for You.”
For more information visit the CBS website at www.cbs.com.ph
