Rural Banks in the Philippines aim to promote and progress the rural economy by providing basic financial services. In partnership with PLDT SME Nation, the Rural Bankers Association Philippines (RBAP) welcomed a new year of their long-term mission to support and unify Rural Banks with the 63rd RBAP Annual National Convention and General Membership Meeting.
Last May 23, RBAP presented a two-day event with the theme of Rural Banks: Making A Difference in Financial Inclusionat the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City. In line with their purpose to protect and empower rural banks in the country, RBAP Speakers from Rural Banks around the Philippines addressed the opportunities and trends present in the financial industries.
With RBAPs commitment to improve Rural Bank facilities and develop a more responsive approach towards the rural community, the Executive Vice President of Cantilan Bank, Tanya P. Hotchkiss, shared insight about the rising opportunities available through financial inclusion. Through the partnership with PLDT Smart SME Nation, RBAP is able to provide fiber-powered networks to rural areas. With SMART Bro TD-LTE, Rural Banks continue to bring improvements in performing their daily operations through fast and reliable broadband solutions.
PLDT SME Nation works together with RBAP in empowering MSMEs throughout the country. By providing innovative solutions and tools such as Disaster Recovery (PLDT Colocation) and VSAT Solutions, PLDT SME Nation helps RBAP provide updated technologies in order to innovate the traditional and manual systems of Rural Banks. PLDT Colocation ensures efficient and secured operations by protecting data and applications of the companies.
Through VSAT, Rural Banks are able to use broadband, voice, and VPN service without the need for fixed and wireless facilities. Through the efforts of PLDT Smart SME Nation and RBAP, owners of Rural Banks have the opportunity to maximize the development of their businesses.
Along with PLDT SMEs mission to enable Filipino entrepreneurs, Rural Banks are given the opportunity to engage in financial inclusion to optimize their businesses. PLDT SME Nation and RBAP remain committed in enabling MSMEs to make it big by strengthening the community of Rural Banks.