Banking&Finance UKB loans to local businesses, consumers rise in September
According to Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, the facility is aligned with the company’s decarbonization roadmap, which targets a 40-percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 from its 2019 baseline.
“Financing plays a key role in enabling the achievement of our business and sustainability goals and in our pursuit of initiatives that contribute to our long-term growth and create value for the planet and the future generations,” she said.
For his part, Metrobank Corporate Banking Group Head Rommel Dionisio said the lender is “proud to support Smart’s landmark green loan facility, as it aligns with our commitment to integrate sustainability principles into our financing practices.”
“By supporting energy-efficient 5G upgrades, we are not just funding growth, we are investing in a smarter, greener digital future together,” he added.
All eyes and ears: Attentive leadership
The phrase also highlights the importance of strategic listening. Association professionals often operate in noisy environments; filled with data, demands, and competing priorities. It takes intentional effort to tune in to what truly matters. For example, during a strategic planning session, being “all eyes and ears” helps leaders catch subtle cues from members or partners that can shape a more responsive and future-ready roadmap.
Internally, attentive management fosters a healthy workplace culture. Staff members who feel their ideas and feedback are welcomed are more motivated and collaborative. Leaders who listen carefully during performance reviews or team meetings demonstrate respect and openness, which in turn nurtures trust and innovation.
Moreover, being “all eyes and ears” positions associations as forward-thinking. In today’s fast-changing world, associations that closely monitor industry trends, policy shifts, technological advancements, and member demographics are more agile and better equipped to adapt.
Observing what’s happening on the periphery and listening to voices at all levels, especially those that are often overlooked, helps associations stay ahead of the curve.
In sum, being “all eyes and ears” is more than a metaphor for attentiveness; it’s a leadership mindset. It’s about tuning in, staying connected, and responding with empathy and insight. In association management, where people are both the mission and the method, that kind of presence makes all the difference.
Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” PCAAE will hold its 13th Annual Associations Summit on November 6, 2025 at the Clark Freeport Zone. The views he expressed herein
not necessarily reflect those of the B usiness M irror . E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.
LBy Andrea E. San Juan
OANS extended by universal and commercial banks (UKBs) to businesses and individual consumers grew in September, albeit at a slower pace, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Preliminary data showed that loans from UKBs rose by 10.5 percent year-on-year in September compared to 11.2 percent in August.
The data showed that after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, outstanding UKB loans was 0.3 percent higher on a monthly basis in September.
“The BSP monitors bank loans because they are a key transmission channel of monetary policy. Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions remain aligned with its price and financial stability objectives,” BSP said.
Outstanding loans to residents went up by 10.9 percent in September from 11.6 percent in August
BSP also said outstanding loans to non-residents recorded a slower decline of 2.9 percent in September from a 5.9-percent decrease in the previous month.
Loans meant to fund business
activities expanded at a slower pace of 9.1 percent in September from 9.9 percent in August.
BSP said lending increased for real estate activities at 9.2 percent; electricity, gas, steam, and airconditioning supply, 27.1 percent; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 9.1 percent; financial and insurance activities, 8.8 percent; information and communication,8.6 percent; and transportation and storage, 15.4 percent.
Meanwhile, consumer loans to residents—which include credit card, motor vehicle, and general-purpose salary loans—expanded by 23.5 percent from 23.9 percent.
Domestic liquidity, or the amount of money in the economy, inched by 7.3 percent year-on-year to about P18.9 trillion in September.
Growth of domestic liquidity, also known as M3 was faster in September than the 6.6-percent increase
‘Typhoon-hit members of SSS in Cebu may tap emergency funds’
TBy Ada Pelonia
HE Social Security System
(SSS) announced on Thursday that members affected by Typhoon Tino in Cebu can access its loan program until December 5 as part of efforts to provide financial relief amid ongoing recovery efforts throughout the province.
In a statement, SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro said the Calamity Loan Program (CLP) provides qualified SSS members in Cebu with immediate access to emergency funds for their essential needs.
“We understand how life-changing the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino is to workers and their families in Cebu. Our priority is to provide immediate, accessible support to help them get back on their feet,” De Claro said.
Under the CLP, the agency said qualified members may borrow up to P20,000 at a 7-percent interest rate with a repayment period of 24 months. Applications can be submitted online.
Once approved, De Claro said loan
proceeds will be credited directly to their enrolled disbursement account.
Included in the major requirements were residing or working in an area declared under the State of Calamity; having at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which must be posted within 12 months preceding the month of filing; and not having past due loan accounts and no outstanding restructured loans, among others.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed all 53 cities and municipalities in Cebu under a state of calamity after Tropical Cyclone Tino struck the province on November 4, 2025.
Citing NDRRMC, the SSS said over 200,000 families and 700,000 individuals were affected, with more than 200,000 pre-emptively evacuated and more than 400,000 displaced.
Meanwhile, the SSS said it also activated a separate CLP for members affected by Tropical Storm Ramil in Roxas City and in the Municipality of Sigma in Capiz.
Qualified SSS members who live
in August.
After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, BSP data noted that M3 went up by 1.2 percent month-onmonth in September.
“M3 is a broad measure of money supply that includes currency in circulation, bank deposits, and other financial assets that are easily convertible to cash,” BSP said.
As a driver of money supply, claims on the domestic sector, which includes private and government entities in the country, rose by 10.3 percent year-on-year in September from 9.8 percent in August.
Claims on a sector represent that sector’s liabilities to depository corporations, such as banks and the central bank.
Claims on the private sector alone grew by 10.3 percent in September from 11.1 percent in the previous month, driven by the continued
expansion in bank lending to nonfinancial private corporations and households.
Net claims on the central government increased by 10 percent from 6.1 percent in the previous month, driven mainly by its higher borrowings.
Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 3.3 percent year-onyear in September from 4.8 percent in August. NFA represent the difference between claims on nonresidents and liabilities to nonresidents of depository corporations. The BSP’s NFA decreased by 0.1 percent. Meanwhile, the banks’ NFA grew primarily on account of larger holdings of foreign currency-denominated debt instruments.
“The BSP will continue to ensure that domestic liquidity conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability objectives,” BSP said.
GoTyme hits 7.8 million customer milestone
By VG Cabua
GOTYME Bank, a joint venture between the Gokongwei and the Tyme Bank, on Thursday said the number of its customers grew to 7.8 million as the digital lender celebrated its third year in the Philippines.
The bank said it has begun its next phase of growth, as it rolls out new features.
“Three years ago, we set out to make banking inclusive, secure, and truly made for people. We wanted to create a bank that fits into everyday life—one our customers could rely on,” said Nate Clarke, CEO of GoTyme Bank.
“Today, over 7.8 million Filipinos have trusted GoTyme Bank, making us the fastest-growing bank in the country. As we celebrate this milestone, I’m grateful to our team, our partners, and every customer who believes in our promise of Banking Made Beautiful: simple, thoughtful, and empowering at every step. Our next chapter is about staying close to our customers and showing up with heart and innovation where it matters most,” Clarke added.
The bank said it would introduce this year feature enhancements,
including an expanded MoreTyme Pay-in-12 installment option with fee cashback and 20 free InstaPay transfers every month.
The bank said its growth over the past years was anchored on “strong community and partnership building.” The bank attributes its success to its network of retail allies, including Robinsons Retail and SM Retail, along with key merchant partners like Foodpanda, PayMongo and TikTok Shop, which have expanded the bank’s reach and utility.
“The bank’s commitment to inclusion is visible through its expansive physical footprint, which includes nearly 600 self-service kiosks and ATMs, supported by over 1,000 banking ambassadors nationwide,” it said.
“Customers benefit from deposit and withdrawal services at over 1,450 retail partner locations, including Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Easymart, The Marketplace, Shopwise, No Brand, Handyman, and Southstar Drug. Banking is also made easier with 20x free InstaPay transfers to other banks every month, all backed by 24/7 human support through the awardwinning GoHuman Experience,” it added.
Makati City ranks among top performing LGUs in bolstering local govt finance
MAKATI City Mayor Nancy Binay announced that Makati has been recognized by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) as one of the Top Performing Cities in the Philippines under the Recognition of Top-Performing Local Government Units (LGUs) in Strengthening Local Government Finance for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Makati ranked among the Top 10 Cities Nationwide across multiple performance indicators assessing efficiency in local revenue generation, fiscal independence, and expenditure management.
Under the Local Source Revenues (LSR) category, Makati City placed second nationwide, following Quezon City, for its outstanding performance in generating locally sourced revenues totaling P18.9 billion for FY2024.
The city also secured the top spot in the Ratio of Local Source Revenues (LSR) to Total Current Operating Income (TCOI), with an impressive 93.32 percent, the highest ratio among all cities evaluated. This means that the majority of Makati’s operating income comes from its own local revenue sources—demonstrating the city’s strong
fiscal autonomy and sound revenue administration.
In the Total Current Operating Expenditures (TCOE) per Capita category, Makati likewise emerged among the Top 10 Cities, with expenditures amounting to P54,029.59 per capita, reflecting the city’s commitment to efficient budget utilization and investment in services that directly benefit its citizens.
Mayor Nancy expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that Makati’s fiscal strength mirrors its good governance and efficient use of public funds.
The BLGF’s annual performance evaluation aims to acknowledge LGUs that demonstrate excellence in local financial administration, focusing on indicators such as Local Source Revenues, Ratio of LSR to Total Current Operating Income, Yearon-Year Growth in LSR, and Total Current Operating Expenditures per Capita.
“Makati City continues to lead in fiscal innovation and governance reforms, upholding its position as one of the country’s
Octavio Peralta
A ssociation World
BUSINESSMIRROR file photo
I’VE known Aniceto Chito” M. Sobrepeña since my days covering the banking and economics beat a bazillion years ago.
Sir Chito was then deputy director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, these days renamed to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, ably assisting in economic policy formulation. A political science graduate from the Ateneo, he later sought and received a developmental economics certificate from the University of the Philippines School of Economics—which is how he came to work at Neda, as a reasearch assistant first.
Many Malacañang administrations later, I found out Sir Chito had left government service and later bumped into him at a few social events, still hale and hearty, updating me of his latest projects. He had already joined the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) by then, an organization popular for its programs like the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos (under which The Outstand Philippine Soldiers or TOPS fall); Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships, Disaster Response, National Teachers’ Month
Eugenia
(NTM) celebration, and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures.
(The Foundation is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital, one of the leading centers of health and wellness in the country.)
In the 30 years as MBFI trustee, Sir Chito has gone out of the way, and served selflessly to attain the Foundation’s goals to assist the underprivileged and marginalized in our society. Teachers, students, soldiers, artists—many of them have benefited from MBFI’s programs, helping them achieve far more than their own simple indiviudal goals to just become better at what they do.
So it wasn’t a surprise that the Rotary Club of Makati Metro (RCMM) awarded Sir Chito with the Gawad Bayanihan Award during its 38th Club Induction Ceremonies held recently at the Ayala Alabang Country Club.
The Gawad Bayanihan Award marks a historic milestone for RCMM as it is the first time the Club has conferred this special honor to a non-Rotarian. Inspired by this year’s Rotary theme, “Unite for Good,” Gawad Bayanihan reflects the organization’s synergy and collaborative effort to uplift communities through solidarity and shared responsibility. It recognizes individuals who exemplify the Rotarian ideals of service, integrity, and leadership that transcend organizational boundaries.
Sir Chito was named the first recipient of the award in recognition of his enduring partnership and strong support to RCMM through the Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos program. The Foundation said that since 1999, he has exemplified the Rotarian commitment of “Service Above Self,” spearheading initiatives that have uplifted underserved communities by recognizing excellence through the arts, education, social development, and disaster response.
His leadership has been vital in carrying forward the vision of the late Metrobank Group chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty, helping shape a lasting legacy of nation-building and public service.
Chito, tonight we recognize you not just as the head of an institution, but as a man who has lived out the very values we Rotarians hold dear: service above self, leadership with integrity, and a life dedicated to others,” said RCCM past president Lior Liechtenstein at the awarding ceremony. Liechtenstein also noted that recognition is about affirming human dignity, about saying to someone: Your service matters. Your sacrifice is remembered.”
The event gathered Rotary Club dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and past and present TOPS awardees. Many of them shared personal stories highlighting Sir Chito’s humility, generosity, and deep commitment to serving others, emphasizing how his leadership has
strengthened bonds across communities. (I can personally attest to this, as Sir Chito made my coverage at Neda so much easier with his accessibility and openness to sharing the information I needed in my news stories.)
In his acceptance speech, Sir Chito expressed gratitude to RCMM and underscored the importance of collective action in transforming lives. He emphasized that the work of transformation requires collective effort: “What makes this journey special is the spirit of sustained engagement—a meeting of likeminded organizations united by a shared mission: to honor heroism, integrity, and excellence in military service. In this, we have found common ground and enduring friendship.” He encouraged everyone present to continue supporting those in need to build a better future.
Sir Chito stepped down as MBFI president and GT Foundation executive director on July 15 after 30 years of dedicated service. Under his leadership, MBFI became a key partner of RCMM in honoring top soldiers, supporting initiatives that champion public service and leadership excellence in the military sector.
Addressing the soldiers in the crowd, Sir Chito underscored: “You are the embodiment of courage and sacrifice. It has been my honor to stand with you in ensuring that the Filipino people never forget your service.”
The Gawad Bayanihan Award serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of service and partnership. The RCMM said it is proud to recognize Sobrepeña, whose tireless work serves as a model for others, affirming that “meaningful contributions to community building must never go unnoticed.”
At the heart of the Metrobank Group is its adherence to Excel. Engage. Empower.” or the 3Es, a roadmap the Foundation also follows. As a development organization, MBFI aims to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared purpose.
By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation continuously expands its scope of reach to be at the forefront of serving communities.
During his leadership turnover of MBFI to Philip Francisco U. Dy as its new president last July, Sir Chito said this of the Foundation’s ethos: Our culture is one of quiet discipline and bold vision. We plan carefully, act strategically, communicate purposely and measure impact rigorously. But behind every metric is a story—a life touched, a future shaped, a community served.”
Very few leaders can boast of efforts to serve the common good and work toward changing futures of those in need. Cheers, Sir Chito!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may want a second opinion before you make a move or a purchase. Verify information and go through the motions to ensure someone isn’t trying to scam you. Spend more time preparing and taking better care of your health and physical well-being. Stick to simple and affordable options. ★★ LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep your eyes and ears wide open; information will be flowing, and what you learn can help you find the answers you require to promote a change or project you want to pursue. Take precautions when dealing with joint ventures or shared expenses. It may be in your best interest to move forward on your own.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be aware of those trying to buy or win your favor. Respond honestly and openly, and don’t lead anyone astray. Take control of your money, your schedule and the promises you make to ensure nobody takes advantage of you. Love is on the rise, but so is indulgence. ★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Expect situations to be erratic. “One step forward, two steps back” is a sign not to force issues until you have your facts straight and a budget in place. Focus on job opportunities, interviews and marketing yourself for success. Raise your profile by leveraging technology or networking functions that provide a platform that supports your capabilities. ★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): New beginnings are within reach. Venture out, strut your stuff and connect with people who share your vision. A change of plans
