CLARK FREEPORT — As Pampanga cements its position as one of Central Luzon’s fastest-growing economic hubs, BDO Unibank is positioning digital finance and financial inclusion as key drivers of sustainable business growth in the province. During the BDO Business Talk held at the SMX Convention Center Clark on July 16, bank executives outlined how evolving consumer behavior, digital transformation, and economic trends are reshaping the financial landscape for individuals and enterprises.
The forum gathered members of the Central Luzon media to discuss opportunities and challenges facing businesses as the country continues its transition toward a more digital economy.
BDO officials noted that Pampanga’s expanding commercial activity, coupled with its increasingly young and tech-savvy population, has accelerated the adoption of cashless payments, digital banking platforms, and formal financial services. The shift, they said, is enabling both consumers and entrepreneurs to improve financial management while enhancing business efficiency.
Providing an outlook on the economy, Romel Libo-on, senior assistant vice president and head of research at BDO’s Investment Management Trust and Investments Group, said understanding macroeconomic developments will remain crucial for businesses and households navigating the remainder of 2026.
He underscored the importance of informed financial decision-making amid evolving market conditions, emphasizing that economic awareness allows organizations to better manage risks while identifying growth opportunities.
The growing preference for digital banking was another key theme during the forum. Dave Khodr, vice president and head of Digital Acquisition under BDO’s Consumer Banking Group, said more Filipinos are embracing digital payment solutions because of their speed, convenience, and security. The trend reflects the country’s continuing shift toward a cash-lite economy, supported by wider access to digital financial services.
Despite the rapid adoption of technology, BDO maintained that physical branches continue to play a vital role in delivering personalized financial advice. Anna Marie Teresa Lim, first vice president and area head for Pampanga-Bataan of BDO’s Branch Banking Group, said integrating digital platforms with branch-based services enables customers to access financial guidance throughout different stages of their financial journey—from saving and payments to borrowing, investing, and business expansion.
To support the province’s growing economy, BDO continues to expand both its digital capabilities and physical banking presence. In Pampanga alone, the bank operates 29 BDO Unibank branches, eight BDO Network Bank branches, and 202 Cash Agad partner-agents, extending banking services to communities across the province and improving financial access in underserved areas.
Rommel Gomez, senior vice president and region head Northern Luzon Branch Banking Group said its dual investment in technology and on-the-ground infrastructure reflects its long-term strategy of making financial services more accessible while supporting broader financial inclusion.
With Pampanga attracting new investments and strengthening its reputation as a major economic center outside Metro Manila, BDO reaffirmed its commitment to helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses adapt to changing financial needs through digital innovation, accessible banking solutions, financial protection, and investment services.
The BDO Business Talk forms part of the bank’s continuing engagement with regional stakeholders, reinforcing its role in promoting financial literacy and supporting inclusive economic growth as Central Luzon continues its upward economic trajectory.
