Bringing banking services closer to the community: Women MSMEs turn livelihood programs into ‘Automated Tao Machines’

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A group of resilient mothers from a remote mining community in Surigao del Norte turned their livelihood programs into a channel that brings banking services closer to the community. Through BDO Unibank's agency banking channel, Cash Agad, they proved that women can inspire and lead change even in the most remote areas.

The Siana Golden Mothers Association comprises mothers from Barangay Siana, Mainit, Surigao del Norte who are beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). In addition to relying on their 4Ps benefits, Siana Golden Mothers was determined to find livelihood opportunities for its members to become successful business owners.

The birth of an initiative

In 2018, when a nearby mining company offered support to livelihood programs, Minda Ajoc,a devoted mother who worked for years assisting barangay nurses in caring for young children in Barangay Siana, joined hands with fellow mothers to form Siana Golden Mothers. They guided the group through early livelihood ventures such as swine production.

This is when they also decided to become partner agents of Cash Agad, a service offered by BDO to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), organizations and local establishments in rural and hard-to-reach communities where bank branches and ATM access are limited to non-existent. The partner agents will then become the “ATM” or Automated Tao Machines in their community and allow cash withdrawal services, balance inquiry, cash-in and bills payment and other basic banking transactions through the point-of-sale devices at their stores.

These women saw an opportunity for their association to be a Cash Agad agent, bringing financial services closer while creating a sustainable income source and providing remittance and photocopying services to the community.

Women entrepreneurs of Barangay Siana. Members of the Siana Golden Mothers Association lead the way in changing families’ lives and uplifting their community through Cash Agad.

Lifeline for Barangay Siana

“Malaking tulong sa amin ang Cash Agad, lalo na’t malayo kami sa city. Madami itong natulungan at nabigyan ng access sa kanilang pera. Nakakatulong ito na mai-angat namin ang aming komunidad,” Minda said. (Cash Agad has been an enormous help, especially since we live far from the city. It has helped a lot of people get access to their funds. This has enable us to uplift our community).

In line with its commitment to fostering financial inclusion, BDO finds it encouraging that Cash Agad is creating a sense of financial empowerment for women in Mindanao.

"Our partnership with the Siana Golden Mother’s Association reflects BDO’s commitment to supporting grassroots communities, especially women, who play a vital role in driving local progress,” said Jaime Nasol, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Banking Group at BDO Unibank. “Through programs like Cash Agad, we aim to bring financial services closer to remote areas, enabling individuals and associations to build sustainable livelihoods and create meaningful change within their communities.”

As the Siana Golden Mothers Association continues to grow, BDO and Cash Agad, with its more than 12,000 partner agents, are exploring further ways to support similar initiatives, helping more communities to access essential financial services, and promoting a future of financial stability for all.

PH economy resilient and set for growth amid challenges, says BDO Analyst

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The Philippine economy stands out as a global outperformer, bolstered by robust domestic consumption and a favorable demographic profile. Despite facing global headwinds, the nation continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth potential. 

Koichi Katakawa, First Vice President and Head of BDO Unibank’s Japan Desk, welcomes the participants during the 2025 Perspectives: Economy and New Approaches in Business Forum.

Dante Tinga Jr., Senior Vice President at BDO Unibank’s Investor Relations Group, highlighted this optimistic outlook during an exclusive economic briefing for BDO’s Japanese clients.

Dante Tinga Jr., Senior Vice President and Director of Research at BDO Unibank’s Investor Relations and Corporate Planning Group, shares his insights on the effect of global events on the Philippine economy during BDO’s exclusive economic briefing for its Japanese clients.

Addressing an audience of over 80 executives from Japanese companies, Tinga underscored the critical role of the country’s young, growing population and strong consumer spending in driving economic performance, showcasing the Philippines’ capacity to sustain growth amid global uncertainties.

The country’s young, fast-growing population underpins its economic resilience. With half of its citizens aged 25 or younger and an annual population growth rate of 1.6%, domestic consumption has remained strong. Household spending has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, fueled by a resurgence in overseas labor deployment, which exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, and a steady flow of remittances from abroad. These inflows continue to strengthen the purchasing power of Filipino families, driving consumption-led growth.

Inflation in the Philippines has returned to the Banko Sentral ng Philipinas’ (BSP) target range, opening the door for potential monetary easing. Stabilized rice prices, supported by government measures such as reduced import tariffs, have contributed to price stability. As a result, BSP is expected to lower interest rates cautiously, creating a favorable environment for business investments and improved consumer confidence.

Globally, easing monetary policies—including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s push to lower interest rates—align with local conditions, further supporting economic recovery. Lower rates are expected to reinvigorate private sector investments, boost business sentiment, and potentially accelerate the Philippine economy to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory.

On the international front, the Philippines must navigate risks such as potential U.S. fiscal policies under the upcoming Trump administration and the effects of a stronger dollar, which could make imports costlier and weigh on the peso. Moreover, while the Philippines excels in services exports and benefits from significant remittance inflows, there is an urgent need to upskill the workforce to stay competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.

Private capital expenditures remain subdued due to previously high interest rates, but with inflation now under control and rates set to decline, the outlook for private sector investment is improving.

Tinga highlighted that the Philippines is well-positioned for accelerated growth, bolstered by resilient domestic consumption, strong household balance sheets, and prudent monetary policies. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of international investors in supporting the country’s economic trajectory. BDO’s Japan Desk, in particular, plays a crucial role in this effort, offering tailored insights and solutions to Japanese businesses navigating the local market. By fostering stronger economic ties between Japan and the Philippines, the Desk underscores its commitment to enabling mutual growth and opportunity.

'Tis the season of giving: 50,000 families receive noche buena packs from BDO Foundation

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Christmas comes alive in simple acts of kindness, generosity and bayanihan. In celebration of the season, BDO Foundation distributed gift packs to 50,000 families nationwide in line with its annual Handog Sa ’Yo ng BDO Foundation Christmas gift-giving initiative.

In partnership with non-governmental organizations Ako ang Saklay, Ako Bakwit, Caritas Philippines and Tanging Yaman Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank mobilized BDO employee volunteers for the distribution, which was conducted in 90 different parishes and dioceses.

“Our goal with the Handog Sa ‘Yo program is to support families in various communities celebrate a brighter Christmas through our simple and humble contribution,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

Christmas gift-giving initiative. Families all over the country receive noche buena gift packs from BDO Foundation.

More than 500 volunteers from BDO branches and head offices across the country participated in the distribution of noche buena packs, which contain holiday food items that families can serve in their gatherings.

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About BDO Foundation

BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. Founded in 2008, the foundation contributes to nation-building by addressing the needs of various sectors of society through programs in the areas of financial inclusion, disaster response, rehabilitation and rebuilding. Supported by the BDO Unibank community and in partnership with local government units and non-governmental organizations, BDO Foundation mounts relief operations, rehabilitates rural health units, constructs school buildings and implements financial education programs across the country. Its corporate citizenship initiatives have been recognized at the Retail Banking Awards of Asian Banking & Finance magazine and Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards of Enterprise Asia. For more information, visit www.bdo.com.ph.

BDO Unibank: Finding ways for bank services reachable in select areas

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BDO Unibank continues to find ways for its bank services to be accessible in areas covered by the prevailing enhanced community quarantine. 

With the roving ATM on Wheels, bank clients are still able to perform various transactions like balance inquiry, cash withdrawal, cash advance, BDO cash card reload, prepaid mobile reload, fund transfer, donation, activation of online banking enrollment and 3rd party fund transfer and pin change. 

The ATM on Wheels, which is available from 11am to 6pm, accepts both local and international cards.

The ATM on Wheels recently went to Anonas in Quezon City, Bagbaguin in Caloocan, and Pasig City. 

This week, it will be deployed to Savemore Branch in Camarin, Caloocan from April 13-15, and to Savemore Branch in Novaliches from April 16-18.

“BDO is positioning ATM on Wheels in areas where our branches are closed or in areas where there are no nearby ATMs,” the Bank said.

BDO Unibank finds ways for clients to bank during quarantine

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Amidst the lockdown and enhanced community quarantine prevailing in Luzon,  and ever since the extended community quarantine was implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, banks have been serving their customers in new ways.

BDO Unibank remains open to service the banking needs of clients. BDO Unibank encourages the heightened use of online banking service to protect the public from the spread of the pandemic.

The number of open branches is reduced, banking hours are shortened, and skeletal force is in effect where possible. While the objective is to keep serving the urgent banking needs of clients, the adjustments in operations aim to protect the health and safety of both the customers and the front liners.

In this unprecedented situation, customers’ understanding and openness to adapt to the “new normal” is valuable. BDO Unibank, for instance, is offering alternatives to branch banking, from promoting its online and mobile banking services to keeping its other channels available.

This way, even if the branch near them is not available or handling heavier than usual transactions, their banking activity will not be hampered.

Online and mobile banking

BDO encourages its clients to bank from home via its online and mobile banking services. Using its digital channels, clients can pay bills, send money, load up their prepaid mobile phones, and check account balances.

To sign up for online banking, visit www.bdo.com.ph, click on “Online Banking Login,” then “Enroll Now!” on the login box. After filling out the forms, expect an ATM activation code. Use this code to confirm enrollment at the nearest BDO ATM.

Clients with an activated online account can enjoy the ease and convenience of banking using their mobile devices. They can download the BDO Mobile App and access its features using their registered username and password. A One-Time PIN (OTP) will be sent via SMS to add their device for further security.

To learn more about BDO Online Banking, click here: https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/ebanking/online-banking

BDO reminds its clients to never give away their personal information to anyone when banking online. Personal information consists of bank account numbers, usernames, passwords, and One-Time PINs (OTPs). The bank will never ask for this information.

Other banking channels

BDO has it wide network of ATMs and Cash Accept Machines available. Here clients can withdraw and deposit money, and even pay bills.

Cash Accept Machines also allow card-less transactions like cash deposits to Peso savings/ check accounts or cash cards. To learn more about its other services, visit: https://www.bdo.com.ph/ebanking/cash-deposit-marchine.

“Over the past few days we have taken steps to ensure, as best we can, continued and uninterrupted service you have grown accustomed to. Given the enhanced quarantine procedures and the limited transportation available, we have taken steps to ensure continuity of service and ease of adjustment on your part during this difficult period,” the bank said in a statement.

Keeping banking channels open. BDO ATMs and Cash Accept Machines are open for clients to withdraw and deposit money, and even pay bills.

BDO, a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. 

For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

BDO Unibank offers a safer way to bank amidst Covid -19

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Amidst the enhanced community quarantine prevailing in Luzon,  banks remain open to service the banking needs of clients. 

BDO Unibank encourages the heightened use of online banking service to protect the public from the spread of the pandemic. 

“We urge our online banking users to share and teach their family and friends how to sign up and use BDO Online Banking so they can bank safely from home,” the Bank said in a statement.

BDO has provided steps to guide its customers on how to sign-up for online banking. These are found on its official website www.bdo.com.ph, official Facebook Page and BDO Youtube channel.

With BDO Online Banking, customers can perform transactions such as Send Money, Pay Bills, Reload and more. 

Apart from online banking, BDO’s network of ATMs and Cash Accept Machines is always available for cash withdrawal, bills payment and deposit. 

Visit the following Links:

BDO Facebook: 

How to Sign Up for BDO Online Banking: https://web.facebook.com/BDOUnibank/posts/2541550816061071?__tn__=-R

BDO Online Banking Features: https://web.facebook.com/BDOUnibank/posts/2541565119392974?__tn__=-R

BDO Website: 

https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/ebanking/online-banking

BDO Unibank warns clients and general public to combat fraud amidst COVID-19

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Amidst pandemic situation in many countries, BDO warns clients on fraud and scammers.

People all over the world are eagerly searching the internet to learn more about COVID-19. However, as medical experts are still learning about it themselves, there is a shortage of trustworthy information online.

Paying no mind to the global health crisis, cybercriminals are taking full advantage of the situation and exploiting people’s fear and anxiety. They send out fraudulent but highly believable bait messages that trick people into divulging their personal information.

In the US, some scammers call and claim to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They offer a COVID-19 vaccine and to complete the purchase, ask for people’s credit card and Social Security numbers. To date, there is still no cure for the virus. Already, US officials have called out this phishing scheme.

Taking advantage of pandemic in PH

With the recent move by some Philippine banks to extend the payment dues of loans and credit cards by 30 to 60 days, scammers are using the familiar ploy of sending out emails or calling customers and posing as a “legit” bank personnel offering a loan payment extension. The intention here is to get the account details and OTP (one-time password) of the customers so fraudsters can take over the account. 

Because of this, BDO Unibank is reiterating important reminders to clients and the general public to combat fraud: 

1. Do not share personal information.

Personal information consists of bank account numbers, usernames, passwords, or One-Time Pins (OTP). Using this information, scammers can steal identities, access online bank accounts, and steal money.

Personal information can also include birthdays, mother’s maiden name, the street where one grew up in—any unique information about the user can be used by the scammer to unlock online bank accounts.

The bank advises all to be prudent in posting personal info on social media channels. If profile is public, best keep it on private mode for added protection.

2. Do not click on website links.

Fraud attacks can also come as in the form of emails, SMS messages, phone calls, or messages via social media channels. Scammers introduce themselves as officials of a trusted company. Their messages look and sound very convincing and sophisticated. Gone are the days of imperfect grammar and distorted logos. They even include a website link. Hovering on these website links however will -reveal a fake website’s address on the preview.

Do not click on these links. These links will lead to a website identical to a legitimate company’s official site. Here, scammers can harvest personal information.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) says: “Be wary of unverified and unproven COVID-19 websites or applications that require you to give your personal data. These websites and applications might be used by online scammers… Cybercriminals will do anything to obtain personal information, especially your financial and banking details.”

BDO assures clients that it will never include links in its official communications.

3. Do not share OTPs.

Companies send out OTPs via SMS messages as an added layer of protection. For banks, OTPs serve as an account holder’s sign off to proceed with a transaction, like paying for utility bills.

The bank warns clients about scammers pretending to be from BDO. They may offer a 60-day loan payment extension and ask for account details including OTPs, so they can proceed with transferring money to their account.

BDO says that real bank officers will never ask for clients’ personal information, such as OTPs, under any circumstance. When in doubt, report any suspicious communications to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph.

Be cautious at all times

It’s important to be cautious during this time. “Be wary of fake news. Review and confirm information/sources,” said the DICT.

“Stay tuned in to trusted government and news sites or social media platforms for real and updated information on COVID-19, and do not share unverified information about the situation as not to spread fake news that could incite more panic among the people.

“If you have time to spare, help your friends by verifying the information or sources they share. Contact them directly to clarify whatever falsehood they shared and share with them verified facts about the COVID-19.”

Sources:

• https://www.verge.com/2020/3/19/21186098/phone-scam-cdc-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-reservation-police 

• https://time.com/5806518/covid-19-scams/ 

• https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/19/20/beware-of-online-scams-during-covid-19-lockdown-philippines-urges-public

BDO offers 60-day payment extension for loans

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BDO Unibank offers what the bank consider as their humble assistance, in this difficult time, due to COVIT -19 : a 60-day payment extension for qualified Credit Card, Auto, Home, SME and Personal Loan customers with due dates of up to April 15, 2020.

BDO has earier activated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) as well as implemented precautionary workplace measures to provide uninterrupted service to its customers and at the same time safeguard employee well-being.

The bank’s BCP has backup sites for critical functions such as client servicing, trading and treasury, operations and information technology, while key personnel have also been identified to man both critical and non-critical units to ensure banking operations continue even in the event of a severe business disruption.

For more updates, you may follow BDO’s official FB fan page: https://www.facebook.com/BDOUnibank/

Buy, sell, or hold? Trading Tactics Will Guide Your Stock Picks

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Opportunities are present whether the stock market is bullish or bearish, but how to strategize to accumulate the best return on investments requires some expert advice. 

This is what online trading platform BDO Nomura Securities, the joint venture company between BDO Unibank and Nomura Holdings of Japan, recently did via the launch of “Trading Tactics,” a session featuring market intel straight from industry movers. Said event was shown live on Facebook as well. 

Straight from the experts. BDO Nomura Securities launches “Trading Tactics,” a series of sessions featuring market intel straight from the industry movers. In the photo (from left to right) are Bernhard Tsai, chief operating officer of BDO Securities; John Nai Peng Ong, chief finance officer of SM Prime Holdings; Koichi Katakawa, president of BDO Nomura; Timothy Daniels, head of investor relations of SM Investments Corp.; Alexander Escucha, senior vice president and head of investor and corporate relations group of Chinabank; Richard Tan, first vice president of investor relations and corporate planning of BDO; and Walter Yap, assistant vice president and head of retail sales of BDO Nomura.

“While stocks are perceived by many as risky investments, they are still considered as a better performer vis-à-vis any other type of security over time. With Trading Tactics, we will be able to create options for our clients to position their portfolio of investments,” said Koichi Katakawa, president of BDO Nomura. 

Trading Tactics. Koichi Katakawa, president of BDO Nomura, opens the first session of “Trading Tactics,” which features the SM Group, one of the country’s diversified conglomerates. Shown live on BDO Unibank’s Facebook page, the video has been played nearly 300,000 times since its October 19 airing.

The first Trading Tactics featured the SM Group, one of the country’s diversified conglomerates. 

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) head of investor relations Timothy Daniels said growth prospects are still abundant for the group, whose core businesses are retail, integrated property development and banking. 

For first-timers or investors looking for stocks to put in their investment basket, he said the following attributes of the SM group can serve as a guidance: 

• It is a leading proxy for the Philippine growth story;

• SM is among the best regarded companies in the world;

• It looks after its stakeholders—as an incubator of business, catalyst for developing communities and an enabler for vendors, tenants, and other MSMEs;

• It is a top employer with international recognition; and

• It is recognized as being responsible and sustainable, as measured against global standards.

“Despite having achieved the scale we have today, you might be surprised to hear that we think we are still quite small. Because in all of our business, in each of the sectors we participate in, the potential for growth is still huge,” said Daniels. 

In retail for instance, less than a third of food today is sold in a modern format. In the propertysector, on the other hand, the country still needs over 5 million new homes and even more in the future. Meanwhile in banking, only about five percent of Filipinos have a mortgage or a credit card today, and about 60% of Filipino adults don’t even have bank accounts. 

“The biggest opportunities are in the many provinces where incomes are rising fastest and the growing population is not yet served very well—especially in Visayas and Mindanao and also in Northern Luzon,” noted Daniels. 

Called by market experts as a growth stock, the SM Group has rewarded investors over the last 10 years with an average share price increase of 25% a year. 

“Though we can never guarantee to always deliver that kind of financial return, especially as we grow larger over time, we do guarantee to keep growing responsibly and sustainably; to stay close to our customers and doing what we do well; and to bring our stakeholders, including our investors, with us on that journey,” Daniels promised. 

Apart from Daniels, other speakers include John Nai Peng Ong, chief finance officer of SM Prime Holdings; Richard Tan, first vice president of investor relations and corporate planning of BDO; Alexander Escucha, senior vice president and head of investor and corporate relations group of Chinabank; and, Bernhard Tsai, chief operating officer of BDO Securities.

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust and investments, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services, and stock brokerage services.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,300 operating branches and over 4,400 ATMs nationwide. It also has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 21 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of June 30, 2019. 

For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

BDO reaps numerous honors at the 2019 Asian Banking and Finance Awards

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BDO Unibank, Inc., its subsidiaries BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and BDO Nomura Securities, and corporate social responsibility arm (CSR) BDO Foundation were among over a hundred awardees from 37 countries honored at the Asian Banking and Finance’s 2019 Wholesale Banking Awards, Retail Banking Awards and Corporate and Investment Banking Awards held in Singapore.

BDO bagged the Philippine Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year at the Wholesale Banking Awards, which recognizes the most outstanding practices and innovative strategies in Asia's wholesale banking sector. This is the 5th time that BDO won in the Cash Management Category and its second consecutive win. Other categories in the Wholesale Banking Awards include Trade Finance, Project\, Finance, Technology & Operations, and Foreign Exchange.

Banking and Finance Excellence. Representing BDO during the award ceremonies on July 18 were BernhardG. Tsai (left), first vice president and chief operating officer of BDO Securities Corporation and Edwin G. Reyes, executive vice president and head of transaction banking group of BDO Unibank, Inc.

In winning the Cash Management Category, BDO was lauded for its wide branch and ATM network, which to date total over 1,100 and 4,000, respectively. Through this vast network, the Bank is able to provide innovative end-to-end financial solutions to corporate clients.

In the Retail Banking Awards, BDO Nomura won for the first time the Online Securities Platform of the Year (Philippines). BDO Nomura, a subsidiary of the Bank, provides investors in-depth market research, quick execution time and competitive rates. Its platform offers ease of use through simple and paperless online application and fund transfers through its customer’s BDO Deposit Accounts. As a bonus, BDO Rewards Points will be earned for all transactions made. These Rewards Points can be redeemed for products available in SM affiliated stores.

Now on its 14th year, the Retail Banking Awards honors outstanding banks that have introduced groundbreaking products and services that successfully adapted with the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Still in Retail Banking, BDO’s CSR arm BDO Foundation won the CSR of the Year - Gold Award for the third consecutive year. BDO Foundation bagged the award for partnering with the Department of Education and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in bringing financial education to public schools, particularly in the K-12 curriculum, teaching and non-teaching personnel. Last year, it was recognized for its efforts to empower people with disabilities (PWDs) through the development of a community for disabled individuals. 

Meanwhile, in the Corporate and Investment Banking Awards, BDO Capital won Corporate and Investment Bank of the Year (Philippines), its second consecutive win, for being a “one-stop investment house covering extensive aspects of deals from origination, structuring, and execution funding through its affiliates, secondary market trading, and insurance services.” 

BDO wins Award of Excellence in 17th Philippine Quill Awards

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BDO Unibank was bestowed the Award of Excellence for a TV documentary that tackled its “We Find Ways” philosophy and how it transformed the lives of Filipinos and contributed to nation-building, among others, at the recently held 17th Philippine Quill Awards of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

The bank was likewise among the top five finalists for the Communication Skills division, joining ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., Jollibee Foods Corp., Ripple 8, and Manila Electric Co.

The bank received the prestigious accolades for its institutional video titled "Finding Ways, Forging Futures: Promoting National Development Through Financial Inclusion" produced in partnership with CNN Philippines.

The video features anecdotes from BDO's senior officers and some of the bank's top corporate clients on how BDO is finding ways to expand its network and make its services more accessible, especially to the unserved and underserved markets.

Roughly a third of the country's cities and municipalities still do not have a banking presence, and about 70% of Filipinos still do not have bank accounts.

"We need to get where the money is, and channel it to where it's needed. And BDO plays its role in the economy by having a wide market coverage to reach out where the funding is coming from and to be able to make the right assessments to that it is channeled to the right projects and the right priorities,"BDO president and chief executive officer Nestor V. Tan said in the video.

The Philippine Quill is the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication, bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals, and to make a difference in society.

Award in Excellence. The BDO Corporate Communications team, led by its chief, Senior Assistant Vice President Honey M. Reyes(second from left) and composed of (left to right) Ana Marie M. Tanglao, Carlo Leo C. Manuel, and Lionel Albert D. Lopez-Dee,receives the Award in Excellence trophy on behalf of BDO Unibank during the 17th Philippine Quill Awards held last August 30 at Manila Marriott Hotel.

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services, and stock brokerage services.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,300 operating branches and over 4,000 ATMs nationwide. It also has a full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 23 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2019. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

David Medalla's Cloud Canyons No. 31, home at BDO Corporate Center Ortigas

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BDO Unibank, Inc. presents the work of Filipino artist David Medalla, Cloud Canyons No. 31, at its Corporate Center in Ortigas (CCO). Permanently installed at its lobby, the Bank welcomes everyone to visit the sculpture.

Cloud Canyons No. 31 was first exhibited in 2016 when Medalla was one of the shortlisted artists for the inaugural Hepworth Wakefield Prize for Sculpture. Made of plexiglas tubes, wood, fibreglass, water, soap, and oxygenators, it is part of a series often referred to as the "bubble machines."

The first of these was produced in 1961 and inspired by Medalla's memories of a dying Japanese soldier's frothing mouth, clouds during tropical sunsets in Manila, the bubbling ginataan (coconut milk) of his mother's cooking, a brewery in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Skyline of New York. It was initially exhibited in 1964 at the Signals Gallery in London.

Other Cloud Canyons can be found in the collections of Tate Modern and National Gallery Singapore. The series is considered one of Medalla's seminal artworks

Medalla is increasingly recognized as an important figure in contemporary art, and his contributions to sculpture and performance art have inspired many. His Cloud Canyons No. 31 is a rare sight but is a very historically important work of art-and it gives BDO great pleasure to be able to show it-permanently-for all to see.

David Medalla is a Filipino artist who has practiced abroad for most of his life. His work ranges from sculpture to kinetic art to painting, installation and performance art. He currently lives in Manila.

Medalla is recognized as a key figure in the development of installation, kinetic and participatory art. His practice challenges the idea of sculpture as solid, timeliness and monumental by producing objects and situations that never be repeated and are continually changing form and matter.

The artist moved to London in 1960, and was included in some of the more important exhibitions during the 1960s and 70s that defined minimal and conceptual practice in Europe and the US.