BanKo Champions Financial Inclusion for SEMEs Nationwide: Here Are 3 Smart Money Moves You Can Learn

For many Filipinos running small businesses, whether it’s a sari-sari store, tricycle service, or market stall, financial stability often feels just out of reach. BPI Direct BanKo, Inc. (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), is working to change that by making loans, savings, and financial education more accessible to self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs) nationwide.

3 Ways BanKo Helps Filipinos Manage Money

1. Loans That Fuel Livelihoods
BanKo’s NegosyoKo Loan provides working capital for everyday needs, like buying inventory, repairing equipment, or expanding services. In 2025 alone, BanKo extended ₱23.7 billion in loans, helping SEMEs grow their businesses and secure more stable incomes.

Access to affordable credit can be a lifeline for small business owners. Instead of relying on informal lenders with high interest rates, SEMEs can use structured loans to invest in growth and avoid debt traps.

2. Savings Made Simple
Through PondoKo and TODO Savings, BanKo encourages Filipinos to build consistent savings habits. These accounts are designed to be easy to open and maintain, even for those new to formal banking.

Building a savings cushion, even small amounts regularly, helps families prepare for emergencies, fund education, or plan for future investments. The key is consistency, not size.

3. Financial Education at the Grassroots
BanKo’s BanKommunity Program brings financial literacy directly to communities. Farmers, fisherfolk, TODA members, and sari-sari store owners receive training on budgeting, business planning, and savings strategies.

Knowledge is just as important as access. Understanding how to manage money wisely ensures that loans and savings accounts translate into long-term progress.

Banking That Comes to You
BanKo also deploys On-The-Go (BOTG) vehicles, bringing financial services closer to communities with limited access to banks. This convenience means entrepreneurs don’t have to sacrifice business hours just to manage their finances.

Inspiring Financial Journeys
BanKo brand ambassador Kathryn Bernardo has been a visible supporter of the bank’s mission, meeting with BanKo Champions and listening to their stories. Her advocacy highlights the human side of financial inclusion, ordinary Filipinos building extraordinary resilience through smart money management.

Guided by its philosophy, “Sa BanKo, may Ngiti ang Bukas mo,” BanKo continues to champion financial inclusion by offering tools, education, and support that empower SEMEs to take control of their financial future.

Whether you’re a micro-entrepreneur or simply starting your financial journey, the formula for progress is the same:

• Use credit wisely to grow income.
• Save consistently, even in small amounts.
• Invest in financial knowledge to make smarter decisions.

BanKo’s story shows that with the right tools and guidance, financial empowerment is possible for every Filipino.