BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) is one of the largest and most profitable banks in the Philippines. It offers a wide range of financial products and services to both retail and corporate customers. As a publicly listed company, BDO is committed to providing its shareholders with attractive returns on their investments. Recently, BDO announced that it would be increasing its quarterly cash dividends on common shares to ₱0.75 per share, starting in the first quarter of 2023.

This is a significant increase from the ₱0.30 per share quarterly dividend that BDO has been paying in the past. The decision to increase the dividend payout reflects BDO's strong financial performance and its commitment to providing shareholders with stable and sustainable returns on their investments. This new dividend policy will be implemented going forward.

For shareholders, this is excellent news. Dividends are an essential part of investing, as they provide a regular stream of income for investors. By increasing its dividend payout, BDO is signaling that it is confident in its financial performance and its ability to continue delivering strong returns to shareholders. It also demonstrates the bank's commitment to creating value for its shareholders over the long term.

BDO's decision to increase its dividend payout is also significant because it comes at a time when many companies are cutting back on their dividend payments due to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses have struggled to maintain their financial performance in the face of lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and reduced consumer spending, BDO has managed to remain profitable and has even posted growth in some areas.

This resilience is a testament to BDO's strong management and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. It has also been helped by the fact that the Philippines has been less severely impacted by the pandemic than many other countries, thanks in part to the government's proactive response.

Looking ahead, BDO's decision to increase its dividend payout should provide shareholders with confidence that the bank is well-positioned to weather any future economic challenges. By focusing on providing stable and sustainable returns, BDO is demonstrating that it is committed to creating long-term value for its investors.

In conclusion, BDO's decision to increase its quarterly cash dividends on common shares to ₱0.75 per share is a positive development for shareholders. It reflects the bank's strong financial performance, its commitment to creating long-term value for investors, and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. As such, it should be welcomed by anyone who has invested in BDO and is looking for a reliable stream of income from their investments.

The Trabaho Turismo Asenso Philippine Tourism Job Fair aims to provide job opportunities to Filipinos who are interested in pursuing a career in the tourism industry. This event is a response to the current pandemic, which has severely affected the tourism industry, resulting in job losses for many Filipinos.

The event brings together various stakeholders, including hotels, resorts, tour operators, and other tourism-related companies. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with potential employers and apply for job openings on the spot.

To ensure the success of the event, the DOT and DOLE have collaborated with local influencers, bloggers, and media. These partnerships aim to increase awareness and promote the event to a wider audience. Local influencers and bloggers, who have a significant following on social media, will help spread the word about the job fair, while media outlets will cover the event to provide updates to the public.

The press conference held on February 28, 2023, was a significant milestone in the planning and preparation of the Trabaho Turismo Asenso Philippine Tourism Job Fair. It provided an opportunity for the organizers to share the details of the event, answer questions from the media, and generate interest among the public.

The collaboration between government agencies, local influencers, bloggers, and media is a testament to the power of partnership and the importance of working together towards a common goal. This event is not only about providing job opportunities but also about rebuilding the tourism industry and contributing to the country's economic recovery.

The Trabaho Turismo Asenso Philippine Tourism Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for Filipinos who are looking to start or continue their careers in the tourism industry. It is a promising event that will not only provide job opportunities but also help rebuild the industry and contribute to the country's economic recovery. The collaboration between the DOT, DOLE, local influencers, bloggers, and media is a significant step towards achieving these goals.

BDO's gross customer loans grew by 9% year-on-year due to the economic re-opening, while total deposits rose by 14%. The bank's net interest income increased by 14% to Php 149.2 billion, and non-interest income climbed by 17% to Php 71.5 billion. The strong performance of BDO's fee income, foreign exchange, and fixed income client-flow businesses contributed to this growth.

The bank's asset quality also improved, with its Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio decreasing to 1.95% and its NPL coverage strengthening to 167%. BDO's balance sheet remains solid, with a comfortable capital position, as its total capital expanded to Php 461.5 billion, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio both above regulatory minimum levels at 14.5% and 13.4%, respectively.

Despite the persistent challenges posed by supply constraints, higher inflation, tighter external liquidity, rates/FX volatility, and geopolitical strains, BDO remains confident that its established business franchise and strong balance sheet will allow the bank to overcome near-term risks and capitalize on structural growth opportunities to achieve long-term sustainable growth.

BDO's continued investment in digital initiatives and expansion of new branches in underserved/rural areas contributed to the bank's overall positive operating jaws, with revenues up 15% for the year and operating expenses up 9%. The bank's book value per share also rose by 9% to Php 86.20 year on year.

Overall, BDO's strong financial results for 2022 reflect the bank's resilience and ability to adapt to a challenging business environment. The bank's continued focus on diversification, innovation, and risk management will enable it to navigate the uncertainties ahead and deliver sustainable value to its stakeholders.

The Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ) in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines has produced a TV documentary and video magazine series titled "Kwentong Kalikasan" that educates, entertains, and informs people on environment-related topics from around Northern Mindanao. 

Young environmentalists are leading the way in raising awareness of climate change through their inspiring documentary series. The series seeks to educate, inform, and motivate viewers to take part in supporting sustainability initiatives. By watching these documentaries, you can learn more about how to make a difference and help protect our planet's future.

The series focuses on stories and works of conservationists and emerging advocates of the forest landscape, Indigenous Peoples communities, and entrepreneurs who aim to educate on how to more responsibly interact with nature. 

The episodes are available on various online platforms, including AYEJ's YouTube channel. The Forest Foundation Philippines has supported the production of the maiden 14 episodes, offering a unique look into the lives of forest conservationists highlighting their advocacy to preserve Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental’s most pristine and vital ecosystems.

Exciting news for all the foodies and travelers out there! The city government of Cagayan de Oro is taking its food scene to the next level by turning the food cart section of Cogon Market into a tourist spot.

Picture yourself surrounded by mouth-watering street food while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the city. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it?

Recently, a new association called the Night Market Cogon Food Cart Association was established. Congratulations to the newly-elected officers: Mylene Del Puerto as chairman, Rodrego Selocia as vice-chairman, Luz Salicona as treasurer, and Marites Jumawan as auditor.

The association has also set some exciting guidelines to make your food trip even more enjoyable. Get ready to see uniformed stalls or tents, vendors and their staff sporting t-shirt uniforms, portalets for your convenience, and proper garbage disposal to keep the area clean and green.

Food cart vendors couldn't be more thrilled with this news and expressed their gratitude to City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy for making this possible. They're so eager to get started that they've already requested to begin wearing their uniforms on March 4th.

So, foodies and travelers, don't forget to mark your calendars! Cogon Market's food cart section is about to become the next big thing in Cagayan de Oro, and you don't want to miss it!

Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City Council Committee on Landed Estate and Subdivision (CLES) Chairman Councilor Edgar Cabanlas (second from left) recently declared local government support for the Orchard District project of Johndorf Ventures Corporation (JVC) saying, “(CDO) Mayor Rolando A. Uy welcomes this blessing for the city, more jobs, more taxes, more opportunities for our people.” Orchard District is set to be launched within the year.

Representatives of the veteran real estate trailblazer and local government officials led by Cabanlas met last week for a comprehensive presentation of the estate's site development plan.  Designed to align plans for the 32-hectare mixed-use commercial-residential community in Upper Balulang-Lumbia with the city’s economic and development objectives, the activity included site appreciation and an executive consultation.

The consultation was attended by Legal Consultant Melanie Mae Cabanlas, representing the City Mayor’s Office, City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) Head Samuel Rollo, and Consultant Luisito Maagad, and representatives of the City Engineer's Office, Office of the Building Official, and City Planning and Development Office.

Orchard District is an integrated 32-hectare mixed-use township development strategically located at the quiet heart of Uptown, Cagayan de Oro City. Orchard District overlooks the Cagayan River at an elevation of about 100 meters. It offers sweeping vistas of the Cagayan Mountain Ranges and is easily accessible to the residential communities in the area.

“We are looking at partnering with several locators to expedite the development of the estate. Negotiations with these locators are ongoing, and we look forward to a lifetime partnership with them”, said Miss Frances Abigail Lim, the Managing Director of JVC.

The EDSA Revolution, also known as the People Power Revolution, took place in the Philippines from February 22 to 25, 1986. The revolution was a peaceful, nonviolent protest that led to the overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos, who had been in power for over 20 years.

The revolution was sparked by the disputed results of the snap presidential election held on February 7, 1986. The opposition candidate, Corazon Aquino, had been leading in the polls, but the official results declared Marcos the winner. The results were widely seen as fraudulent, and many Filipinos believed that Aquino had been robbed of the presidency.

In response, thousands of people took to the streets to protest the election results and demand Marcos's resignation. The protests were organized by a broad coalition of groups, including the Catholic Church, labor unions, student organizations, and business groups.

The protests grew in size and intensity, and on February 22, a group of military officers led by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos announced that they were withdrawing their support for Marcos and taking control of key government installations. They set up a command post at Camp Crame, a military base in Quezon City.

The news of the military defections and the protests spread quickly, and crowds of people began to converge on EDSA, a major thoroughfare in Manila, to show their support for the military and demand Marcos's resignation.

Over the next three days, the protests continued to grow, and Marcos ordered his troops to crush the rebellion. However, the soldiers refused to fire on the protesters, and the crowds remained peaceful.

On February 25, Marcos fled the presidential palace and was flown to Hawaii, where he lived in exile until his death in 1989. Aquino was sworn in as president, and the Philippines transitioned to a democratic government.

The EDSA Revolution was a historic event in the Philippines, and is considered a shining example of peaceful, nonviolent protest. It inspired similar movements throughout the world, and is remembered as a turning point in Philippine history.

Leading digital solutions platform Globe signed a four-year partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Business District (RCMBD) on Tuesday to raise funds for its hunger alleviation program The Hapag Movement, marking a milestone in the initiative. 

The All Women's Climb in Mindanao is an annual event in the Philippines that encourages and empowers women to participate in mountaineering and outdoor adventure activities. The climb is open to women of all ages and experience levels and is hosted by Northern Mindanao Mountaineering Society - NORMMS.

The climb usually takes place on one of Mindanao's beautiful mountains and for this edition it will be at Buklod Ridge, Silo-o, Malitbog, Bukidnon and provides participants with the opportunity to learn basic mountaineering skills, meet other women who share their interests, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

The All Women's Climb also aims to promote environmental conservation and awareness among its participants. Participants are typically encouraged to practice responsible tourism and to leave the mountains and other natural areas as they found them.

Overall, the All Women's Climb in Mindanao is an excellent opportunity for women to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and connect with other like-minded women in a supportive and empowering environment.

The 11th AWC Mindanao just had a media launch at Centrio Ayala Mall yesterday, February 20, 2023 in partnership with R.O.X. Philippines. 

The Climb will happen on March 24-26, 2023. To join and register, please follow this link: AWC Mindanao Registration or Contact the following:

09176771930 - Lalei; 09358427933 - Aember

For questions, you may refer to this AWC FAQ Page.

The Mindanao Railway Project Phase 3 is a planned railway project in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The project is part of the government's plan to build a railway network connecting major cities in Mindanao.

The Mindanao Railway Project Phase 3 will run from Cagayan de Oro City to Zamboanga City, a distance of approximately 850 kilometers. The railway line will have multiple stops in between, including in the cities of Iligan, Ozamiz, Dipolog, and Pagadian.

The project aims to improve the transportation system in Mindanao, reduce travel time between cities, and boost economic development in the region. The railway line will also provide a safer and more comfortable mode of transportation for passengers and will help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby easing traffic congestion.

The project is still in the planning and feasibility study stage, and the exact timeline for construction and completion is yet to be determined. However, it is expected to be implemented in the near future, given its importance to the development of Mindanao and the country as a whole. Once studies are completed, the projects will be submitted for the approval of the Investment Coordination Committee to confirm their viability for public-private partnership (PPP) implementation.

Just recently, the Department of Transportation has secured a P200-million grant from the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) for Mindanao Railway Project Phase 3 and San Mateo Railway Project feasibility studies. 

Transportation Assistant Secretary Leonel De Velez said P100 million for each project had been approved by the PDMF committee. The PDMF, meanwhile, is a revolving fund managed by the PPP Center.

The whole Mindanao Railway is a 1,544-kilometer system that will span the entire island. It aims to improve the efficiency of transport and connectivity to major cities and other gateways in Mindanao such as Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay, Bukidnon).

The Philippine government requires all SIM card owners in the country to undergo a mandatory registration process to help prevent the misuse of mobile phone services for criminal activities. The registration process includes providing personal information such as full name, address, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID.

Globe Telecom, one of the largest mobile network operators in the Philippines, has set a deadline for SIM registration. As of the latest information available, the deadline for Globe's SIM registration was on April 26, 2023. However, it is advisable to contact Globe's customer service or visit their website to get the latest information on SIM registration requirements and deadlines.

If you have not yet registered your SIM card with Globe, it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in your mobile phone services. Failure to comply with the registration requirements may result in the deactivation of your SIM card.

Register your Globe SIM now through this official link from Globe: https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) is committed to support clients’ capital and funding requirements to attain their goals. Recognizing the role of banks as a key driver of economic progress, BDO continues to engage and lend to customers to fuel long-term development and business success while uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

When Concrete Stone Corporation (CSC), a manufacturer and distributor of building materials, precast products and construction aggregates realized the demand for its products and the need to reduce cost and production time, the company considered expanding its operations with new technology and acknowledged the role of a valuable banking partner.

“Achieving our business objectives is difficult without substantial funding. Since we want to be the leading supplier of construction materials in the Philippines, we need the support of a bank to bring our organization’s vision to fruition. BDO’s reliability, commitment and quality products and services are aligned with our business values. We found a trusted banking partner with BDO, paving the way for our company to contribute to the economic development in urban areas and in the countryside,” said Noel Jesus Santiago, President of Concrete Stone Corporation.

BDO Unibank funded the construction of Concrete Stone Corporation’s precast facility in Mariveles, Bataan.

BDO financed the construction of CSC’s precast factory and facility in Mariveles, Bataan. Precast concrete technology is the next green step in the construction industry as it utilizes a reusable mold that ensures quality control and performs concrete curing in a well-controlled environment at the manufacturing plant prior to installation. This translates to reduced waste, less reliance on fuel-powered machinery, and minimal environmental impact. 

CSC’s state-of-the-art precast concrete factory also ensures manufacturing with reduced dust emissions, noise, and other pollutants. Overall, the precast technology also provides Filipinos with a cheaper alternative in building their homes in terms of lower cost and faster production time. 

Precast concrete's durability, adaptability to hot and cold temperatures without cracking or getting damaged, and ability to retain its strength even when exposed to extreme weather, makes the product disaster-resilient or at least less prone to the impacts of catastrophic events. To further contribute its expertise and resources, CSC actively supports disaster response as it provides equipment and assists in rescue and clearing operations with the local government unit (LGU) during calamities and man-made disasters. Moreover, it is involved in various flood control activities in partnership with the LGU by supplying quality materials such as armor rocks and filling materials for the riprap of river banks and other erosion prone areas where CSC has operations.

Concrete Stone Corporation has reached several milestones in the construction industry and has successfully supplied various big-ticket projects including the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). Even with the economic challenges facing the country, CSC continues to be at the forefront as the lead supplier of construction aggregates and materials in the Philippines.

BDO is committed in supporting companies’ significant initiatives designed to create jobs, improve Filipinos’ quality of life, and use new innovative technology to propel economic growth.

The City Government of Mandaluyong has recently recognized BDO Unibank, one of the leading banks in the Philippines, as one of its Top 10 Taxpayers for the year 2022. The recognition was given during the city's annual Liberation and Cityhood Anniversary, held to commemorate the city's establishment as an independent city.

BDO Unibank was selected for the award based on the list submitted by the Business Permit and Licensing Department. The recognition signifies BDO Unibank's significant contribution to the growth and development of Mandaluyong City's economy. The city government recognizes the importance of the private sector's contribution to the city's progress and development, and it is their way of expressing gratitude to their solid partners in progress and nation-building.

The award was received by Vina Co-Trinidad, Branch Manager of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas, and Michael Thomas Uy, Marketing Officer of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas, from Mandaluyong City Mayor Hon. Benjamin Abalos and Vice Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos. The ceremony was also attended by Gener R. Sison, Head of the City Assessor's Department, Corazon L. de Guzman, Head of the City Treasury Department, and Catherine DL Arce, Head of Business Permits and Licensing Department.

The recognition is a testament to BDO Unibank's commitment to excellence, not only in the banking industry but also in contributing to the development of the communities where it operates. It reflects the bank's dedication to paying taxes responsibly and in a timely manner, which is vital in supporting the government's efforts to provide essential services to its citizens.

In response to the award, BDO Unibank expressed its gratitude to the city government for recognizing its efforts and contributions to the community. The bank remains committed to its role as a responsible corporate citizen, supporting the growth and development of the communities where it operates, and contributing to the country's overall economic growth.

The recognition serves as a challenge to BDO Unibank to continue its commitment to responsible and sustainable banking practices, ensuring that it continues to contribute positively to the communities where it operates. The bank's efforts to provide financial services that empower individuals, businesses, and communities will remain steadfast, as it strives to build a better future for all Filipinos.

Vina Co-Trinidad, Branch Manager of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas (4th from left), and Michael Thomas Uy, Marketing Officer of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas (5th) received the award from Mayor Abalos (3rd) and Vice Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos (6th). They are joined by Gener R. Sison, Head of the City Assessor’s Department (leftmost), Corazon L. de Guzman, Head of the City Treasury Department (2nd), and Catherine DL Arce, Head of Business Permits and Licensing Department (rightmost).

Starting Feb. 9, 2023, Globe Postpaid customers may start confirming registration of their SIMs in just one easy step. 

To complete the SIM registration of its Postpaid customers, Globe today starts sending out an SMS asking them to confirm their details by simply texting SIMREG to 8080.  

By sending the SMS, individual Globe Postpaid and Platinum customers confirm to Globe the full name, date of birth, sex, address and proof of identification that they already submitted to Globe during postpaid application. 

This step serves as the customers’ expressed confirmation for Globe to use their current details for SIM registration, in compliance with the law.  

“We have made it very easy for our valued Postpaid customers to complete their SIM Registration. With just one text, they will be compliant with the SIM Registration law. With this step, we hope to reach more of our customers and get them to register,” said Darius Delgado, Head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business. 

For prepaid customers, registration remains open 24/7 in Globe’s SIM registration website, https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg. 

Globe has also started rolling out assisted registration sites across the country to extend help to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, users of basic or feature phones and anyone who needs support to get their SIMs registered. 

Globe again calls on all its customers to register their SIMS before the April 26, 2023 deadline to avoid SIM deactivation. There are an estimated 86.7 million SIM users in the Globe network. 

To learn more about Globe and the SIM registration process, please visit www.globe.com.ph.