Bank of Florida opens 13th branch

STA. RITA -- While most rural banks in Pampanga and Central Luzon are consolidating their resources with bigger commercial and universal banks, the Bank of Florida (BOF) continues to expand on its own, opening its “homey” branch in this town on Wednesday afternoon.

The branch is the 13th among BOF’s network in Central Luzon and Metro Manila -- only the third bank in this bustling town -- that lends a hand to countryside micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.

BOF chairman and president Teresa David-Carlos said the branch is “extra special” to the professionally run family corporation, as it is the David patriarch Ladislao’s long-time dream.

“This branch is our gift to our father Ladislao, who established Bank of Florida and the House of David Group. It is his long-time dream realized now that he is 84. Being the 13th in 2013, it is a great way to start the year in this very promising and bustling town of Sta. Rita, where we can provide the essential financing support as a development partner to the people here,” she said.

With P1.5 billion in resources and an array of unique banking products and services, David-Carlos added that BOF will continue to expand, improve and introduce services that are “firsts” in the rural banking industry.

“We have done a make-over of our branches to make them homey and comfortable for our clients and non-clients alike. Very soon, we will be introducing a multi-million, world class core banking system, us being the first in the industry to do so. Also, we would soon launch in our Floridablanca branch the first drive-thru teller in the country,” she noted.

While most industry players in the rural banking sector are consolidating and merging with big banks, BOF, she said, is leading the way in expansion and reaching out further in the countryside.

“In fact, we will be buying in and consolidate with BoF the Bank of Lubao. These and all our efforts in corporate governance, apart from being very stable, are part of our desire to serve communities as we envisioned,” said David-Carlos.

“We warmly welcome you in Sta. Rita and thank you for your support and in your quest to provide support to our people for the future and a better life,” said Mayor Yolly Pineda.