PBCOM Activates in CEBU: Five Business Centers and Client Appreciation Event

Top executives of the Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM) were recently in Cebu to celebrate the activation of its business centers, including the inauguration of its latest branch, as well as honor its esteemed clientele in the city.

These are part of the bank’s 75th anniversary campaign, marked by a nationwide expansion plan and continuing a transformation strategy to deliver next level banking.

Throughout its history, Cebu has always been a valued market for PBCOM. It was here where the bank set up its second branch, shortly after World War II.

PBCOM opened in Magallanes, which was an up-and-coming business hub for Cebu at that time, to cater to the city’s rising professionals and entrepreneurs.

Today, PBCOM has five business centers located strategically throughout Cebu:

*PBCOM Cebu Magallanes: Magallanes near cor. Manalili St., Cebu City

*PBCOM Cebu Mango: General Maxillom Mango Ave., Cebu City

*PBCOM Mandaue: National Highway, Mandaue, Cebu City

*PBCOM Mandaue-Basak: Co Tiao King Bldg. Cebu North Road Basak, Mandaue City

*PBCOM Cebu Business Park: Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

PBCOM’s Newest Business Center

The business center at the Cebu Business Park is the bank’s newest location, and it continues PBCOM’s tradition of powering both emerging and established professionals and entrepreneurs.

The recent inauguration was led by PBCOM President and CEO Nina Aguas, Director Ralph Nubla, Jr., and General Manager Chester Go. The PBCOM executives were joined by none other than Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama.

The Future is Looking Bright for Cebu

The business center activation was followed by a summit at the Radisson Blu Hotel that gathered PBCOM’s esteemed clients and prospects in Cebu. With the theme “Future Cebu,” the bank provided its forecast into the dynamic economic developments for the city.

An audience composed of almost 400 customers was welcomed by Victor Lim, PBCOM’s EVP for Prosperity Banking. Meanwhile, Patrick Cheng, PBCOM’s Head of Trust and Wealth Management, set an optimistic tone as he shared how the Philippines, especially Cebu, is poised for continued growth in 2014.

He cited the manufacturing, information communications technology, tourism, and the real estate industries as some of the key sectors driving growth for the country’s top economy outside Luzon. He considers Cebu’s ship building and BPO industries as especially noteworthy as these have placed the Philippines at strong leadership positions in the global market.

(L-R)  David Leechiu of Jones Lang La Salle with Victor Lim of PBCOM

The event also featured David Leechiu, Country Head of Jones Lang La Salle, as guest speaker. He underscored the phenomenal achievements and even greater potential of the real estate industry in the Philippines, with special focus on Cebu.

He noted that the excitement in this sector is a manifestation of the country’s prolonged economic boom, which has been ongoing since 2005. Foreign conglomerates are investing in office space locally as they continue to find the Philippines producing great talent with great work ethic at a competitive price.

Meanwhile, with the rise of BPOs and increased disposable income, they are starting to look for residential spaces that align with their own personal and professional milestones.

A strong consumer profile in turn is fueling growth in the luxury and small to middle-income developments, as well as mall and retail properties.

Photo above: (L-R) Chester Go (GM for Cebu Business Park, PBCOM), Mayor Mike Rama, Nina Aguas (President and CEO, PBCOM), and Ralph Nubla, Jr. (Director, PBCOM)