BDO backs NAIA modernization to boost air mobility

 

Recognizing the vital role of infrastructure in national progress, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) remains committed to supporting projects that help advance essential services and drive sustainable growth. Through its participation in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) modernization, BDO continues to be a strong partner in transforming the Philippines’ primary gateway, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities in the country.

 

Facilitated by BDO’s Institutional Banking Group and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital), BDO helped secure PHP 80 billion (US$ 1.42 billion) in funding for New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the consortium awarded the concession to rehabilitate and modernize NAIA. The consortium, led by San Miguel Holdings Corporation, the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) alongside RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), aims to significantly improve the airport’s efficiency and passenger experience.

 

SMC, a key member of NNIC, contributes its extensive infrastructure expertise and market leadership, with businesses spanning multiple industries and driving approximately 6% of the Philippines’ GDP. Meanwhile, IIAC, a wholly-owned entity of the Korean government and the operator of South Korea’s Incheon airport, one of Asia’s busiest airports, brings global practices in airport management, technology and operational efficiency. Their involvement underscores the confidence of international stakeholders in the Philippines’ economic potential and infrastructure modernization efforts.

Transforming NAIA. The NAIA modernization aims to boost connectivity and enhance customer experience

 

BDO’s ability to swiftly mobilize significant capital in a tight timeframe demonstrates its leadership in large scale infrastructure investment. BDO Capital, in collaboration with other investment banks, structured a deal that ensured a seamless funding process for NNIC, overcoming complex market dynamics.

 

“BDO has been a steadfast partner in infrastructure development, ensuring projects like the NAIA modernization have the necessary financial backing to succeed. This initiative will drive economic growth, improve air mobility, and enhance the Philippines’ position as a regional hub,” said Eduardo V. Francisco, President of BDO Capital.

 

Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group, added “We take pride in supporting transformative projects that create long-term value for businesses and communities. The modernization of NAIA is a milestone in improving air travel efficiency and accessibility for millions of Filipinos.”

 

BDO’s support has been crucial in providing the resources needed to modernize NAIA. Their financial expertise strengthens our efforts to transform the airport into a world-class gateway that drives economic growth, improves connectivity, and delivers a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers," said Angelito Alvarez, NNIC’s General Manager.

 

The NAIA modernization project, awarded before the end of 2024, was one of the administration’s priority undertakings. Understanding the fiscal challenges inherited by the current administration, BDO is leveraging private sector collaboration to ensure critical infrastructure initiatives remain on track. This landmark transaction highlights BDO’s support to the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs, fostering improved air mobility and infrastructure development. As the largest PPP under the current administration, this project is expected to generate substantial revenue for the Philippine government while creating new jobs, boosting tourism, and attracting foreign investment. 

 

The modernization of NAIA is a crucial component of a broader transport infrastructure upgrade, complementing projects such as the Metro Manila subway and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Together, these initiatives will create a more integrated and efficient transportation network, driving economic opportunities and reinforcing the country’s position in the global market.

 

Family emergency fund: Save now and get an extra layer of protection

Added layer of protection for your family. Receive free P3M life insurance coverage when you open a savings or checking account with BDO.

Think about your family's future. What do you see? 

Perhaps it's your child graduating with flying colors from a top university, your dream business finally opening its doors, or the love of your life walking down the aisle. Whatever your dreams or aspirations are, it is essential to work on your family’s future with a sound financial plan, starting with a family emergency fund.

There is nothing like peace of mind knowing your loved ones are financially protected from the impact of emergencies or sickness. This protection gives your family a solid foundation to confidently take the next step.  

Additionally, it’s vital to combine savings with life insurance in your financial plan to protect your loved ones from financial strain during unforeseen events, ensuring they rely less on the emergency fund.

With BDO, you can get an added layer of protection for your savings. By opening a BDO Smart Checking, ATM Savings, Passbook Savings, or Peso Checking account, you unlock the benefits of a savings account that comes with free life insurance coverage of P3 million. Simply maintain the required minimum initial deposit in your account for up to six months. Signing up is fast and easy with no medical exams required.

Apart from choosing the right bank, here are other things to consider when building a family emergency fund:

• Size matters. The larger the family, the larger the emergency fund. The recommended amount for an emergency fund is three to six months’ worth of living expenses. For larger families, you may want to increase that amount to 12 months. 

• Early planning. The sooner you start, the better. Consider planning your emergency fund with your partner even before starting a family.

• Family fund. Establish a separate emergency fund for your family. Although you may have a personal emergency fund, building one for your family helps manage household expenses and handle bigger financial needs.  

• Accessible and secure. You should be able to tap into your family emergency fund quickly without the lengthy process of liquidating assets. A top and trusted bank such as BDO protects your money against possible financial collapses.

When embarking on your financial journey, remember that each family’s needs and circumstances are unique. One crucial step is to select a bank that exemplifies a strong commitment to care. 

By choosing BDO, you can confidently take the first step towards securing your family’s future. Don’t miss out on this limited offer until May 15, 2025. Visit your nearest BDO branch today or head on to www.bdo.com.ph.

Primary health care accessible to more Filipinos

For the benefit of communities in need. After reaching its 200th rural health unit milestone, BDO Foundation reaffirms its commitment to improve health facilities patient care through the rehabilitation of health centers.

To give more Filipinos access to primary health care services—this is a commitment that BDO Foundation continues to uphold as one of its core advocacies. Over the past years, the organization has been rehabilitating rural health units (RHUs) nationwide, and recently, it reached its 200th rehabilitated RHU as it turned over the newly renovated Rural Health Unit of San Jose in Camarines Sur—a major milestone for the foundation.

For BDO Foundation, this milestone serves as a driving force to continuously move forward and reach more Filipinos nationwide. 

“With every RHU we turn over, we think about the thousands of Filipinos who will benefit from the facility. We hope that through our humble contribution to the community, we empower health workers to serve their patients better and we help patients gain better access to primary health services,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

The newly rehabilitated RHU of San Jose is a one-story building that serves more than 45,000 Filipinos in 29 barangays. The foundation renovated the facility, improving its interiors and exteriors, ensuring its accessibility to persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and making comfortable spaces available for breastfeeding mothers and elderly patients.

In his message to the community, San Jose municipal health officer Dr. Arnel Armea said, “This support empowers our health care personnel to perform their duties with dignity and ensure that our community receives the care they deserve.”

“With this rehabilitated facility, mayroon nang space para sa lahat!” he concluded.

The RHU, serving as the first line of defense of communities in maintaining their health and wellness, is a facility that patients go to for routine check-ups, immunization, and preventive health care.

Moving forward, BDO Foundation will continue to uphold its mission to strengthen the healthcare delivery system at the grassroots level through the rehabilitation of health facilities in partnership with local government units as well as BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. 

Experience All the Fun and Excitement at the Philippine Book Festival

 The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s largest all-Filipino book festival, is back—this time at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, happening from March 13-16, 2025.

The free four-day festival by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) puts Philippine books at the center of a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with authors.

A Fiesta of Filipino Culture through Literature

The PBF 2025 promises to be more festive, putting the spotlight on the country’s famous festivals, each one designed by some of the best Filipino artists working today.

The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreu, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to textbooks, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbënga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

A design highlight is the Pakyawan Plaza, the festival’s centerpiece which has become a crowd favorite. The intricately designed Pahiyas Festival-themed activation space features a large bahay kubo, inside which fairgoers can browse collections of children’s books.

A New Location for a More Accessible Experience

The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 2025 moves to a new venue—at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location has brought new energy to the festival and can draw an even larger audience.

For one, the new PBF site is strategically located in a mall at the heart of Metro Manila, making it easily accessible. Visitors can reach it via the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and the EDSA Busway, providing convenient transport for those coming from surrounding areas like Caloocan City, Quezon City, Makati City, Taguig City, and even from those on the eastern side such as Cainta, Taytay, and the cities of Antipolo, Pasig, and of course, Mandaluyong.

“The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas,” explained NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

Strides Toward Addressing Systemic Gaps

Led by Aquino-Tugade and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, the PBF has achieved a groundbreaking milestone—procuring over PHP 925 million worth of Philippine trade books and textbooks.

Through the PBF, the NBDB, an attached agency of the DepEd, provides space for DepEd’s regional and district offices to purchase quality books and engage with fellow educators and professionals from the book publishing industry. The large-scale institutional purchase by DepEd addresses the issues of access and readership, bringing books to thousands of readers all over the Philippines.

“The PBF is our love letter to Philippine books—its creators and its readers, and the many stories they have told about our people. It’s also our response to our country’s reading crisis, which is largely a problem of access. The PBF creates that marketplace for quality Filipino titles, and serves as a bridge between those books and readers across the country,” Aquino-Tugade said.

“We have a large role to play in not just growing the book industry but in shaping the environments that make reading possible for all sectors of the population. The NBDB and its partners will continue to work against lack of access by saturating the market and our schools with quality Philippine-authored and published books,” Aquino-Tugade concluded.