THE Bankers Institute of the Philippines (Baiphil), one of the country's leading organizations dedicated to the pursuit of banking excellence, celebrated another milestone last week with the induction of its officers and committee chairpersons for 2019-2020.
Baiphil supports the banking industry through continuing education, research, and information exchange while upholding the values of good governance, competence and integrity, service, teamwork, and innovation.
Newly-inducted President Blesilda P. Andres (head of BPI's Regulatory Compliance) pledged to carry on Baiphil's legacy and sustain the vision "to be the leader in pursuit of banking excellence, aiming to be one of the best in the Asia Pacific Region."
BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno, who was both the inducting officer and guest speaker, reminded Baiphil of the challenges faced by the industry given the ongoing digital transformation of the banking system.
Diokno cited the urgent need for collaborative governance to manage technological opportunities and disruptions.
Here is where Baiphil could be a strong catalyst "to support and reinforce the banking industry's seamless transition into the digital age," Diokno said.
For BSP's part, Diokno reaffirmed the central monetary authority's commitment to providing a proactive, enabling environment that will usher the efficient delivery of digital financial services and promote greater financial inclusion.
Also inducted as Baiphil officers were Restituto C. Cruz, (BSP Assistant Governor) First Vice President; Myrna E. Amahan, (FVP/Chief Audit Executive, Union Bank) Second Vice President; Romel D. Meniado, (FVP, Robinsons Bank) Secretary; Arnel A. Valles (SVP, United Coconut Planters Bank) Treasurer.
Inducted as directors were: Marilou C. Bartolome (SVP, Metrobank), Mary Jane C. Japor, (AVP, Australia New Zealand Banking Group); Racquel B. Mañago (VP, Philippine Veterans Bank); Estrellita V. Ong, (Chief Internal Auditor, BDO); Edeza A. Que (FVP, Philippine Savings Bank); and Edel Mary Vegamora (EVP, RCBC).
Immediate past president Dom B. Gavino Jr. (ING Bank NV) joined Baiphil's advisers who include Ma. Dolores B. Yuvienco (BPI), Josefa Elvira E. Ditching-Lorico (BSP), Antonio V. Viray, (Chief Adviser for Legal Affairs) and Rhoneil S. Fajardo (Deutsche Bank).
Named to various committees and sub-committees were: Dom B. Gavino Jr. (ING Bank NV), Godofredo L. Martinez (UCPB), Carol P. Warner (SBTC), Ma. Bernadette T. Ratcliffe (Maybank), Maria Victoria P. Ronquillo (UCPB), Iñigo L. Regalado III (BSP), Mardonio C. Cervantes ( Associate Life Member), Belinda C. Rodriguez (PBB), Irene DL. Arroyo (PDIC), Amelita G. Cua (Philtrust), Carlota A. Bacani (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group), Maria Rachelle A. Fajatin (Equicom), Francis B. Albalate (Union Bank), Leila P. Paz-Aguba (Union Bank), Emma B. Co (PSBank), Josefa Elvira E. Ditching-Lorico (BSP), Teresita L. Andres (Associate Life Member), Susan R. Alcala-Uranza (former president Baiphil), Reginald C. Nery (Bank of Commerce) and Shirley G. Felix (PDIC).
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Assistant Governor Restituto Cruz traced the roots of Baiphil, which even antedated the Central Bank of the Philippines.
Baiphil was founded in 1941 as a non-stock, non-profit corporation under the name National Association of Bank Auditors and Comptrollers (Nabac), primarily with the goal of increasing the efficiency and uniformity in bank accounting, auditing and operations among banks.
It metamorphosed into the Association of Bank Audit, Controls and Operations, subsequently the Bank Administration Institute (Philippine Chapter) and finally into the Bankers Institute of the Philippines.
From a small circle of accountants and auditors, the institute has evolved into a prestigious and respectable bankers' organization.
It now boasts of 62 institutional members composed mostly of universal, commercial, foreign, thrift and government banks, the BSP, PDIC, PCHC, Bancnet, and more than 300 key bank executives as associates and sustaining life members.
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