SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.” 

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?” and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao Art, and International Coastal Cleanup 2025, covering Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility. 

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.

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About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

Chinabank wins Quill awards for Investor Relations program and beauty queen campaign for My CBC

Chinabank achieved a double victory at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards for its Investor Relations program and marketing campaign for its redesigned mobile app. The bank’s triumphs anchored a 15-Quill haul for the SM Group, which saw SM investments, SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, SM Residences, and BDO Unibank also recognized at the prestigious communications awards.

From left: CBC Corporate Communications Officer Hershey Villegas, Marketing Communications Head Aileen Vallesteros, Senior Marketing Consultant Nita Claravall, Investor & Corporate Relations Group Head Gerald Florentino, and Investor Relations Officer Vicky Quisido at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards on August 27, 2026 at the Solaire Resort in Parañaque City.

An initiative highlighting Chinabank’s commitment to shareholder value creation, “CBC Investor Relations: Focused on Value” won in the Financial Communication and Investor Relations category.  Meanwhile, "My CBC: An App Fit for Beauty Queens," a campaign that humanized technology through creative storytelling and levity, secured an award in the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category.

CBC Chairman Hans Sy (third from right) with directors (from left) Genaro Lapez, Romeo Uyan Jr., Claire Ann Yap, Joaquin Dee, and Jose Sio at the PSE bell ringing ceremony to mark the start of trading under Chinabank’s new stock symbol “CBC.”

The revitalized Investor Relations program addressed a share-price valuation discount by actively engaging local and international institutional investors and equity analysts. By increasing transparency, consistently highlighting CBC’s stellar financial performance, and accentuating the company’s brand refresh initiative, the program considerably helped improve CBC’s stock valuation and supported its re-entry into the PSE Main Index in 2025.

“We shifted our Investor Relations from a compliance-driven function into a proactive, high-visibility platform that consistently communicates Chinabank’s growth story,” Investor & Corporate Relations Group Head Gerald Florentino said.  He also credited President & CEO Romeo Uyan Jr. and Chief Finance Officer Patrick Cheng for their hands-on leadership that led the market to re-rate the stock.

My CBC: An App Fit for Beauty Queens featuring Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee

Featuring Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, “My CBC: An App Fit for Beauty Queens” successfully introduced My CBC, framing the improved app as a tool for connection and empowerment across different age groups. The authentic mother-daughter bond and the lighthearted humor of “Melanisms”—Melanie’s trademark funny phrases—served as a metaphor for My CBC’s powerful features. Launched in time for Mother’s Day 2025, the video reached 14.1 million views and 15,000 reactions across social media platforms in just four months. It was also distinguished as the Best Program in Digital Marketing at the 2025 Bank Marketing Awards.

“The video bridged the digital divide by showing that My CBC is intuitive enough even for non-tech-savvy users. While humor was the primary hook, we ensured the comedic elements neither compromised the strength, reliability, and trust associated with Chinabank,” Marketing Communications Head Aileen Vallesteros said.

CBC Chairman Hans Sy (standing, center) and his friends join beauty queens Michelle and Melanie, flanked by MCD Head Aileen vallesteros and Senior Marketing Consultant Nita Claravall, for Mother’s Day lunch in 2025.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, The Philippine Quill Awards represent the country’s premier benchmark for professional business communication. This year, awardees were chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 800 entries through a strict evaluation process utilizing IABC's highest global standards. 

This year's Quill awards build on Chinabank's momentum from last year, when it also secured twin wins for its Brand Refresh Program in the Change Communication category and for its “Focused on You” campaign in the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category.

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About Chinabank:  China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC), founded in 1920, is the fourth largest private universal bank in the Philippines and a member of the SM Group, one of the country’s biggest conglomerates. Driven by its brand promise, “Focused on You,” Chinabank supports individuals, small- and middle-market businesses, and large corporations, with its consolidated network of 673 branches, 1,150 ATMs, and 24/7 digital banking channels:  My CBC and My CBC Business.  The bank also offers a wide range of allied financial services through its subsidiaries China Bank Savings, Chinabank Capital, Chinabank Securities, Chinabank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance.

For over a century, Chinabank has built a deep connection with its customers and the communities it serves, leveraging the dedication and diversity of its empowered people and the strength of its enduring partnerships to help uplift the lives of Filipinos.

For more information, visit www.chinabank.ph or follow ChinabankPH on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Investor & Corporate Relations Group - 8885-5601; Investor-relations@chinabank.ph; Gerald O. Florentino, FVP & Head - goflorentino@chinabank.ph

Chinabank wins regional award for HR digital transformation

From left: AIA Indonesia Chief Human Resources Officer Ichsan Adiwijaya, CBC HR Business Solutions Department Head Gene Modequillo, CBC HR Strategic Support Division Head Rizza Salvino, and People Matters New Markets Head Aditya Chopra.

Chinabank was recognized among the best organizations, teams, and individuals in Southeast Asia that redefine the future of work through technology and purposeful transformation. 

The bank earned the Silver Award for Human Capital Management (HCM) Innovation and Implementation under the Visionary Organizations category at the recent People Matters Infini‑T Awards SEA 2026 in Singapore.

The award is in recognition of the bank’s successful digital transformation of its HR ecosystem through SyncHROne, developed in partnership with Darwinbox and launched in 2025. The AI-powered, mobile-enabled SyncHROne streamlines HR operations and enhances employee engagement and productivity.

“We are proud of this achievement, which reflects our shared commitment to building a future-ready, inclusive, and innovation-driven workplace. Through SyncHROne, we have empowered Chinabankers with a unified ‘source of truth’ that allows them to focus on what matters most—growth and excellence,” Chinabank Human Resources Group Head Tani Cruz said.

Aside from its triumph at the Infini-T Awards, the highlight of the two-day People Matters TechHR Singapore 2026, Chinabank also shared its HR transformation journey during the “Futurist Circle” breakout session. HRG Strategic Support Division Head Rizza Salvino explained how Chinabank leveraged AI and data-driven insights to redefine the employee experience and boost performance. She said leaders drive business results when they take charge, supported by HR’s efforts to enable agility through technology and to strengthen decision-making with data-driven insights. She also noted that digital transformation is about transforming the people who use the new technology—empowering them to think, work, and lead differently.

About Chinabank:  China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC), founded in 1920, is the fourth largest private universal bank in the Philippines and a member of the SM Group, one of the country’s biggest conglomerates. Driven by its brand promise, “Focused on You,” Chinabank supports individuals, small- and middle-market businesses, and large corporations, with its consolidated network of over 650 branches and 1,140 ATMs, and 24/7 digital banking channels My CBC App and My CBC Online.  The bank also offers a wide range of allied financial services through its subsidiaries China Bank Savings, Chinabank Capital, Chinabank Securities, Chinabank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance. 

For over a century, Chinabank has built a deep connection with its customers and the communities it serves, leveraging the dedication and diversity of its empowered people and the strength of its enduring partnerships to help uplift the lives of Filipinos. 

For more information, visit www.chinabank.ph or follow ChinabankPH on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Chinabank wins inaugural ACES Nation Builder Award

In recognition of its deep and sustained contributions to the Philippines' economic progress and national development, Chinabank was conferred the Nation Builder Award at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025 on November 29 in Bali, Indonesia. 
 

Chinabank Chief Sustainability Officer William Quesang

Chinabank was selected from over 682 nominations across 17 countries to be the first ever recipient of the ACES Nation Builder Award, highlighting the bank's century-long legacy of responsible banking and people-centered growth, as well as its ability to connect the needs of individuals, businesses, and the government to help build the Filipino nation.

“From empowering entrepreneurs and families to advancing sustainable finance, you have shown how banking can transform lives and drive inclusive development," ACES President Shanggari Balakrishnan said.

“This award is a powerful validation of our dedication to uplifting lives and advancing national goals, and our unwavering focus on our clients,” Chinabank President and CEO Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said.  “This motivates us to increase our efforts to do more good for our customers and our country.”

Organized by Malaysia-based MORS Group, a leading regional business intelligence and strategic platform, the ACES Awards is one of Asia’s most coveted awards for leadership and sustainability, celebrated for its rigorous, research-driven evaluation and a prestigious list of winners that includes some of the region’s most influential business leaders, corporations, and brands.

Chinabank is a recognized leader in sustainability and responsible business practices locally and in Asia, recently winning its second Titanium Award at The Asset Corporate Sustainability Leadership Awards 2025.  The country’s fourth largest private universal bank, Chinabank is also a consistent Golden Arrow awardee for its governance excellence. (SM Supermalls)

Chinabank, SSS partner for MySSS Card powered by Chinabank Debit Visa for convenient disbursements

In a new partnership set to benefit millions, Chinabank and the Social Security System will be launching the MySSS Card powered by Chinabank Debit Visa. This new debit card is designed to provide SSS members with a more secure and convenient way to receive their benefits and loans. It also serves as an official Social Security System card, taking the place of the traditional Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card.

1 - CBC President & CEO Romeo Uyan Jr. and SSS President & CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro holding mock-up MySSS cards. Flanking them are CBC Consumer Banking Segment Head Aloysius Alday Jr. and SSS Corporate Services Sector & IT Management Group EVP Elvira Alcantara-Resare.

Chinabank and Social Security System officials formalized the agreement on October 7 at the bank's head office in Makati City. At the signing were CBC President & Chief Executive Officer Romeo Uyan Jr., Consumer Banking Segment Head Aloysius Alday Jr., and Cash Management Services & Operations Group Head Domingo Dayro Jr., with SSS President & CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro, Corporate Services Sector & IT Management Group EVP Elvira Alcantara-Resare, and Benefits Administration Division VP Joy Villacorta. 

"We at Chinabank are very proud to be part of the SSS Paycard Program as it represents a significant step towards true financial inclusion," Uyan said. "By leveraging the power of our combined institutions, we have created a product that seamlessly merges trusted government service with convenient and secure financial access. The result is an innovative tool that will empower millions of SSS members." 

The MySSS Card powered by Chinabank Debit Visa comes with no maintaining balance and the first card will be free, making it an accessible option for all SSS members. It can be opened at any Chinabank branch for secure and convenient crediting of SSS sickness, maternity, unemployment, and retirement benefits, as well as proceeds of salary, calamity, and pension loans.

Being a Debit Visa card, it can be used at any ATM and VISA-partner establishment and online store in the Philippines and abroad. It can also be enrolled in My CBC for digital banking convenience. The MySSS Card powered by Chinabank Debit Visa is part of the digital transformation of government services.

"Chinabank is among the first banks who partnered with us in bringing MySSS card to full implementation. Through the MySSS card, members and beneficiaries will experience greater convenience. We are truly looking forward to the success of this endeavor for both institutions," De Claro said.

More details about the MySSS Card powered by Chinabank Debit Visa will be announced soon.

About Chinabank

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC), founded in 1920, is the fourth largest private universal bank in the Philippines and a member of the SM Group, one of the country’s biggest conglomerates. Driven by its brand promise, “Focused on You,” Chinabank supports individuals, small- and middle-market businesses, and large corporations, with its consolidated network of 650 branches, 1,109 ATMs, and 24/7 digital banking channels: My CBC App and My CBC Online. The bank also offers a wide range of allied financial services through its subsidiaries China Bank Savings, Chinabank Capital, Chinabank Securities, Chinabank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance.

For over a century, Chinabank has built a deep connection with its customers and the communities it serves, leveraging the dedication and diversity of its empowered people and the strength of its enduring partnerships to help uplift the lives of Filipinos.

For more information, visit www.chinabank.ph or follow ChinabankPH on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. (SM Supermalls)

Chinabank nets P13 billion in first half 2025

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC) registered a net income of P13 billion in the first six months of 2025 on the back of strong core business growth.

 

The record profits were equivalent to a 14% increase over the same period last year and translated to a 15.2% return on equity and a 1.6% return on assets — among the highest in the industry.

The bank’s total revenues surged by 34% year-on-year to P38.9 billion, mainly from net interest income which grew by 15% to P34.9 billion on higher asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 13 basis points to 4.57%.

“We continue to deliver strong operating results in the first semester while supporting the needs of our customers and contributing to the growth of our economy,” CBC President & Chief Executive Officer Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said.

Credit extended to the consumer and corporate segments rose by 18% as Chinabank’s gross loans hit P964.7 billion amid the accelerating economic activities and increasing consumer confidence. Despite a lower non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 1.6%, well below the industry average of 3.5%, the bank proactively set aside higher credit provisions of P6.5 billion for an NPL coverage of 125%, higher than the industry average of 95%.

The loans growth was funded by deposits, which increased by 5% to P1.3 trillion, underpinned by a 10% growth in checking and savings accounts.

“We are sustaining our growth momentum as we execute our strategy and focus on delivering quality service and value to our clients and stakeholders,” Uyan added. 

In the six-month period, operating expenses reached P16.6 billion on higher technology, manpower, and business volume-related costs.  With revenue growth outpacing rising expenditures, Chinabank recorded a healthier cost-to-income ratio of 43%.

Total consolidated assets reached P1.7 trillion, marking an 8% increase from the same period last year.  Total equity grew by 15% to P174 billion.

The bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 15.62%, well above the minimum regulatory requirement. Book value per share increased by 15% to P64.65.

“Our robust performance was driven by our commitment to addressing client needs while effectively managing risks and promoting efficiencies.  We have ensured that our balance sheet remains strong.  Additionally, the recent accolades we received recognize Chinabank’s customer focus and banking excellence,” CBC Chief Finance Officer Patrick D. Cheng said.

Celebrating its 105th year on August 16, 2025, Chinabank was recently distinguished by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum as an ASEAN Asset Class, an honor given to listed firms that have achieved consistently high scores under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard.  At the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance Awards, the bank won Service Innovation of the Year - Philippines for its pioneering 30-Minute Instant Credit Card Issuance Program and Banking for Women Initiative of the Year - Philippines for the CBC Velvet Visa Signature. The bank was also named among the best Philippine firms in investor relations and corporate management by Extel in its 2025 Asia (ex-Japan) Executive Team Rankings, and among the region’s largest companies in terms of total revenues by Fortune in its Southeast Asia 500 list. (SM Supermalls)