In celebration of its 22nd anniversary, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted its 2015 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders. In Region IX, it was held on September 8 at the BSP Building in Zamboanga City. This year’s observance was highlighted by the theme: 12 Years and Beyond: Celebrating Strong Partnerships and Successful Collaborations.
In his welcome remarks, BSP Assistant Governor for Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-sector Gerardo S. Tison, expressed his deep appreciation for the partnership of BSP and its stakeholders. He acknowledged the presence of all partner agencies and emphasized the significance of the Philippine eagle, which is the logo of the BSP.
Along with the evolution of the functions of the BSP, the design of the trophies for the stakeholders’ awards has also evolved. This year’s celebration, a new trophy, with the metal image of the Philippine eagle was specifically chosen as it symbolizes strength, clear vision and freedom. Inside the half-circle support are three stars representing the three pillars of central banking, such as price stability, financial stability, and efficient payments and settlement system. It also represents the three island groups of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each island group is equally important in policy making and in the BSP’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable growth.
The welcome message was followed by a presentation of development indicators in Mindanao by BSP Deputy Director for the Department of Economic Statistics, Teresita B. Deveza. She presented the regional distribution of banking offices that include universal, commercial, thrift, rural, and cooperative banks; business outlook for Mindanao; employment outlook and expansion plans; and expectations on economic indicators.
Deputy Director Deveza reported that overall, Zamboanga Peninsula is increasing in financial resources, has low inflation, higher employment, and has positive business confidence that are supportive of strong regional economic growth in 2015.
BSP Monetary Board Member Valentin A. Araneta who also delivered the keynote address led the celebration. He expressed his gratefulness over the celebration adding that it started in 2004 in the national capital region. It is now observed throughout the country as a testimony to a successful collaboration on information and advocacy pursuit of BSP. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the stakeholders’ support to the survey and information activities that have significantly assisted BSP’s financial programs.
BSP bestowed three awards to Region IX. For Business Expectations Survey of the BSP, OK Department Store, Inc. was chosen as the Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms, while A L Gonzalez and Sons, Inc. was recognized as the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms. NEDA Regional Office IX received the award for Outstanding Partner under the Sources of Information category for its Report on Regional Economic Developments.
Each awardee received the Dynamic Balance, Philippine Eaglet trophy crafted by visual artist and multi-awarded sculptor, Ferdinand Cacnio. This year’s stakeholders’ awards in Region IX marks the sixth time that the BSP awarded stakeholders in the region and is the eighth in a series of 12 regional events for the year.
The yearly event is expected to heighten BSP’s partnership and collaboration with its stakeholders and partner agencies across the country to provide and sustain an enabling business environment that will continuously steer and advance the country’s economy.
