THE local banking industry has begun to normalize operations amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Inocente Locson, Zamboanga Bankers and Financiers Association (ZBFA) president, said the local banks have already started operating until 3 p.m., while some until 4:30 p.m. even though Zamboanga City is still under Alert Level 3.
There are 78 bank branches and financing institutions operating in the city.
Locson noted that there were glimmers of hope at the start of the health pandemic as most of the local banks are open only until noon.
He said the local banks have extended the grace period as several businessmen were affected with their loans during the pandemic.
But he said none of the banks or financing institutions have stopped operations despite the health pandemic.
"The money in circulation in the city is huge," he said without giving estimates.
Meanwhile, Locson is optimistic that more money will be in circulation at the start of the campaign period as candidates will have to spend for their campaign materials. (Sunstar Zamboanga)