Binmaley, Mapandan chosen as pilot areas
POSTBANK’S BANGKO SA NAYON
WITH the advent of electronic communication and competitive private courier services, the government’s post offices are being reinvented into micro banks called Bangko sa Nayon.
The micro banking office (MBO) program being piloted by the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (Postbank) seeks to provide banking services services in areas that are underserved by the finance industry.
Higinio Fabian, Postbank’s senior vice-president for branch banking group, during the inauguration of the MBOs in Binmaley and Mapandan towns on Tuesday, said the program is aimed at contributing to the government’s objective to foster more inclusive growth in the countryside.
Aside from these two towns in Pangasinan, the MBO is also being pilot-tested in towns in Albay, and Bula and Camarines Sur.
LOANS AND MORE
The MBO will grant livelihood opportunities by offering P10, 000 loans to individuals and groups with no collateral, explained Postbank President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar Sarino, who was also present in the occasion.
Postbank will also promote the value of saving as well as offer insurance packages.
Binmaley Mayor Simplicio Rosario and Mapandan Vice-Mayor Catalino Morales welcomed the new program and thanked Postbank for choosing their municipalities as two of the pilot areas.
PHILPOST TO STAY
Meanwhile, Sarino, who is also president of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), said the agency has been in the black since 2011 by realigning its operations.
Sarino said while the surge in internet use may have lessened personal letters going through the post offices, commercial mail has increased such as credit card and e-commerce billings.
“Post Office is one government office that is present in all municipalities and cities in the country and it is here to stay. Walang papalit diyan,” said Sarino. (PIA1-Pangasinan/VHS, AMM)
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