BPI marks 175 years by strengthening its presence across the Visayas

 As it celebrates its 175th anniversary, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to strengthen its presence across the Visayas, with 101 BPI branches, 99 BanKo branches, 6 LSB branches, and 1,116 Agency Banking partner stores serving communities across the region. Together with its digital platforms and financial solutions, these channels bring banking closer to individuals, families, and businesses across the Visayas.

Cebu has been an important part of BPI's operations and history for more than a century. In 1924, BPI opened its third oldest branch on Jakosalem Street in Cebu City. The branch later moved to the corner of Magallanes and P. Burgos Streets, where the BPI Cebu Main Branch continues to serve clients today. The historic building also houses the BPI Museum Cebu.

BPI's presence across the Visayas extends beyond its branches through 1,116 Agency Banking partner stores, bringing select products and services closer to customers through familiar establishments such as Prince Retail Group, Metro Gaisano, The Marketplace, Robinsons Supermarket, CVM Pawnshop, Daiso, Rose Pharmacy, and Uncle John's, among others.

Through these partner stores, customers can access select services including account opening and product applications, cash-in and cash-out transactions, bills payment, fund transfers, and BPI OneQR payments, depending on the services available at each location.

"The Visayas has always been an important part of BPI's journey for more than a century. Our first branch in the Visayas was established in Iloilo, marking the beginning of our longstanding presence in the region, while Cebu has remained an important part of our heritage and operations. Our presence in the region reflects our commitment to being where our customers are. As we celebrate 175 years, we remain focused on bringing together our branches, digital capabilities, and partnerships to make banking more accessible, convenient, and relevant to the individuals, businesses, and communities we serve," said Cathy Santamaria, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at BPI.

BPI also marks more than a century of presence in Cebu. In 2024, BPI commemorated 100 years of banking in Cebu, a milestone that underscored BPI’s enduring relationship with generations of Cebuanos. That year, the historic BPI Cebu Main Branch was declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, recognizing its significance as a landmark woven into Cebu's cultural and economic heritage.