Greetings!

We salute the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation in its financial literacy advocacy and in leading the observance of the 15th Depositor Protection and Awareness Week this June 16 to 22, 2017.

This year’s theme, “Protect your Future: Be a Wise Saver”, emphasizes the value of savings among Filipinos and reiterates the multi-sectoral campaign for inclusive growth. Results of the 2014 Consumer Finance Survey show that 86% of Filipino households did not have deposit accounts and one of the reasons cited is due to lack of trust in banks. This lack of trust in financial institutions, particularly banks, can be addressed by a sustained campaign to increase public awareness and knowledge on the stability and integrity of the banking sector. Hence, the role fulfilled by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation in this aspect is commendable.

Rural banks are at the forefront of financial inclusion and we take our role in promoting financial literacy congruent to our position in the unbanked and financially-underserved regions. Together, we can achieve a true inclusive growth that benefits most, if not all, Filipinos.

Congratulations also to PDIC on its 54th year of service!


ANTONIO O. PASIA
President, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines