Citi Philippines achieves double win at The Asian Banker Philippines Country Awards 2018

Citi Philippines consumer banking head Manoj Varma (2^nd from left) and retail bank head Rene Aguirre (middle) receives the award from The Asian Banker managing editor Foo Boon Ping (leftmost), CEO of Banking Reports David Gyori (2^nd from right) and Transcarta managing director Richard Hartung (rightmost).

Citi Philippines’ innovation in digital consumer banking was recognized by The Asian Banker Philippines Country Awards 2018 as Best Frictionless Mobile Initiative, Application or Programme. The country’s largest foreign bank also received an award for Best Wealth Management Bank.

16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards launched

(L-R) Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. chair Fr. Jose Victor Lobrigo; Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr.

The search is on and nominations are underway for the most inspiring micro business owners nationwide.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed jointly announced the launch of the 16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) during the recently held annual conference of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).

Since its inception in 2002, the CMA awards program, a partnership among BSP, Citi Philippines and MCPI, with funding support from Citi Foundation, has been steadfast in its commitment towards recognizing entrepreneurs who have beat the odds, lifting themselves and others out of poverty. The awards also recognize the strong support from microfinance institutions as key partners, underscoring the role these organizations play in financial inclusion and enterprise development. 

In his keynote speech, governor Espenilla took note of how digital technology has made an impact in the development of microfinance in the country. “The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping the financial inclusion landscape and traditional financial value chains,” he said. “Rapid digital innovations in financial technologies have led to the emergence of more dynamic business models.”

"Amidst all the talk of technology and disruption, it is only appropriate that we continue to showcase inspiring stories through the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, which has served as a vehicle for inspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide to achieve greater heights,” says Espenilla.

The event saw the introduction of the commemorative book “From Modest Dreams to Microentrepreneurial Triumphs,” which shares success stories of past CMA winners, inspiring tales of winning against adversity through hard work and perseverance.

In his remarks, Citi’s Ahmed said: “The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are about the passion, energy, and commitment of microentrepreneurs who want to do better for themselves and their families. At Citi, we are proud to help people pursue their dreams because we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”

Governor Espenilla and Aftab Ahmed serve as co-chairpersons of the CMA National Selection Committee. Other members include industry and community leaders such as Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel de Ayala; RFM Corporation president and CEO Jose Ma. Concepcion III; GMA Network, Inc. chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon; former Philippine Daily Inquirer chairperson Marixi Rufino-Prieto; DTI secretary Ramon Lopez; SPARK! Philippines trustee Imelda Nicolas; SM Investments Corporation vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson; Voyager Innovations, Inc. president Orlando Vea; National MSME Development Council-Mindanao Private Sector representative Mary Ann Montemayor; and University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor Dr. Michael Tan.

The awards are open to microenterprises with business assets up to PhP3 million. The award categories are Microentrepreneur of the Year Award, regional awardees from the three major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year, and special awards for agri micro-business, community leadership, and green/sustainable business.

The national winner of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will receive PhP200,000 while the three regional awardees, the youth awardee, and special awardees will each get PhP100,000. The loan officers and MFI branches of each awardee are also given  a cash incentive of PhP10,000. Semi-finalists will receive a cash incentive of PhP10,000.

In addition to cash prizes, long-term sustainability of the winning microenterprises is of vital importance, thus, entrepreneurship training and mentoring is also provided at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center.

About Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. It was established on July 3, 1993 pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the New Central Bank Act of 1993. The BSP took over from the Central Bank of Philippines, which was established on January 3, 1949, as the country’s central monetary authority. The BSP is committed to promote and maintain price stability, a stable financial system, and efficient payment and settlement system, conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of the economy.

Since 2000, the BSP has played a key role in increasing access to financial services to the entrepreneurial poor by mainstreaming microfinance in the banking sector. In 2007, the BSP embraced the goal of financial inclusion as a way of bringing the financial system closer to all Filipinos, especially to the financially underserved and unserved. The overall vision is to build an inclusive financial system where there is effective access to a wide range of appropriate financial products and services for all filipinos. The Philippines is known for having one of the best regulatory frameworks for microfinance, and as a global leader in terms of having a conducive environment for financial inclusion.  

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation.  

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. 

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com

Twitter: @Citi

YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi 

Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi 

About Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc.

The Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) is the national network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and support organizations in the Philippines advocating sustainable, innovative, and client-responsive solutions to poverty in the country. MCPI is currently comprised of 61 members (48 MFIs, 2 regional networks, and 11 support organisations) which account for 80 percent of the microfinance sector in the Philippines. Its key programs include advocacy, capacity building for MFIs, social performance management and client protection in microfinance, knowledge management, and network development.

Like this post? Subscribe to Manila Life by Email

Like Manila Life on Facebook to be updated.

Better, more convenient digital banking

Citi credit cardholders will have a better, easier, and more personalized digital banking experience with the new and improved Citi Mobile App. The next generation mobile app features groundbreaking capabilities and innovative functionalities that allow users to do more. 

Manoj Varma, Citi Philippines consumer business head said, “We at Citi are highly committed to expanding and enhancing our digital capabilities for the ease and convenience of our customers. We are passionate about meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

Level up your wardrobe with Citi PayLite

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your wardrobe as Citi and ZALORA keep you in style.

Get ZALORA e-Gift Cards when you shop at 0% Citi PayLite until October 31, 2018. E-Gift cards may be redeemed until January 1, 2019.

For a minimum single-receipt PayLite spend of P10,000 at any Citi PayLite enabled partner-merchant, you get a P500 ZALORA e-Gift Card. You can also get a P1,000 ZALORA e-Gift Card for every minimum single-receipt PayLite spend of P25,000. 

Citi gives back to community

More than 5,000 Citi Philippines employees, with their families and friends, marked recently the bank’s annual Global Community Day (GCD) by doing various service activities in their local communities. 

“Citi is committed to making a positive difference in the Philippines. Participation in our Global Community Day continues to grow every year and I’m proud to volunteer alongside more than 5,000 of my colleagues and members of their families,” said Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed.

Exclusive online deals with Love2Click

Today, more and more people prefer going online for everything they need. Whether it’s for shopping, travel, food or entertainment, it’s not only convenient but you also have millions of brands and options to choose from in just a few clicks anytime, anywhere. 

Making online shopping even more exciting, Citi, the country’s leading global bank, brings back Love2Click, its annual online sale. Now on its third year, Citi cardholders can look forward to more exciting online deals and discounts weekly from a wider range of online brands and services. 

Citi sees sustained economic growth and investment opportunities despite global market volatility

Citi, the country’s leading foreign bank, remains positive about economic growth in the Philippines despite current global market volatility. At a series of mid-year outlook events, Citigold clients heard expert views on the current market environment and implications for investment strategy shared by Citi and guest speakers. 

Citi’s consumer banking head Manoj Varma opened the sessions and explained the importance of understanding risks and opportunities when investing. Varma said, “Citigold clients look for trusted advice and up-to-date information, especially during times of market volatility.”

Tens of thousands of Citi volunteers celebrate Global Community Day in the Philippines

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed is joined by more than 300 volunteers to paint chairs and cover books for “Brigada Eskwela” at the Upper Bicutan Elementary School in Taguig, as part of Citi’s worldwide Global Community Day celebration

Annual event contributes nearly four million hours of service since launch

Citi recently celebrated its annual Global Community Day, as more than 5,000 Citi volunteers in the Philippines engage in service activities in their local communities. In the days leading up to and including Global Community Day, more than 100,000 Citi colleagues, alumni, clients, family and friends in more than 450 cities across 90 countries and territories volunteer on 1,400 service projects that are helping address a range of community needs, from feeding the hungry to revitalizing schools for a better learning environment to preparing young people for jobs.  

Citibank Cash Deposit Machines now accepting USD cash deposits

Deposit US dollar notes to your Citibank Philippines USD account real-time without standing in line and rushing to beat the bank’s cut-off time. Effective March, Citi offers a new dollar deposit functionality in its Cash Deposit machines with the service now available 24/7.

For the first time in the Philippines, Citi clients may now deposit dollar bills to their Citibank Philippines USD account in all three branches, Makati, Greenhills and Cebu; and ATM Centers in Binondo, Alabang and Libis. Citibank cash deposit machines will accept denominations from $1 to $100 and up to $9,000/day.

Citi Foundation and UP Foundation to strengthen Social Entrepreneurship in Central Luzon

The country’s largest foreign bank and its top university have formed a partnership to equip microentrepreneurs in Central Luzon with the necessary skills to succeed in business.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed and University of the Philippines (UP) Chancellor Michael Tan both expressed their commitment to the partnership after the launch of a bridging program for social entrepreneurship and financial inclusion to benefit microentrepreneurs.   The landmark program aims to develop certificate courses to help build and enhance capacities of practitioners in micro and small enterprise development in Central Luzon.

From Sapporo To Maldives With Citi PayLite

Explore the beauty of nature, discover hidden treasures underwater, or learn a different culture through food in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from Citi and Velca Travel.

Avail of 0% Citi PayLite using your Citi credit card to book hotels, flights, and tour packages to the beautiful paradise of the Maldives and the unique city of Sapporo and get up to $100 off your desired journey through Citi PayLite's "Bucket List" travel offer. 

Citi Philippines Credit Payment Products Director David Stoughton said: “Now is a wonderful opportunity for our loyal Citi cardholders to go out to the world at affordable rates. The ongoing Citi PayLite ‘Bucket List’ campaign was designed to provide our customers luxury travel experiences at easy on the pocket payment terms and prices.”

Discover why Maldives is called nature’s sunken garden. Spend four days and 3 nights in any of three islands which showcase Maldives’ stunning white beaches and amazing underwater world. Book using your CIti card at US$50 off published rates to avail of packages that include round-trip economy class airfare and three nights twin room accommodations with meals and transfers.

Savor the best that Fun Island has to offer at a three-star resort stay with a special Beachfront Room, speedboat ride, and full board meals for only US$1,460 from US$1,510. Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Paradise Island, which includes Superior Beach Bungalow stay in a four-star resort, speedboat transfers, and half-board meals for only US$1,515 from US$1,565. Or travel to Sun Island at only US$1,600 from US$1,650 and get one night’s accommodation at Somerset Male upon arrival, while for the rest of your trip you will enjoy transfers by domestic flights and speedboat, a comfortable Superior Beach bungalow stay and half-board meals. Let these packages take you to the Maldives in unrivaled luxury from September 1 to October 31, 2017.

There’s also good news for all food and culture lovers! Go on an exciting one-time gastronomic journey to Sapporo, the City of Food, for six days and five nights. This all-inclusive travel package is composed of round-trip economy class airfare, four-star hotel accommodations based on twin sharing, full meals three times daily, plus a guided tour to all important tourist spots in the comforts of an air-conditioned bus among others. Pay only US$2,388 from US 2,488 when you book now until August 29, 2017, and travel from September 22 to 27, 2017.

Open to all Citi cardholders, the Citi PayLite installment plan lets you enjoy 0% interest or affordable converted monthly factor rates. It allows light and easy installments for up to 3 months only when purchasing travel packages, gadgets, apparel, appliances, and a whole lot more.

Fulfill your bucket list now, explore the unparalleled destinations of Maldives and Sapporo with Citi PayLite and Velca Travel today! Book using your Citi credit card by calling Velca Travel and Tours Inc. at (02) 899-9256, (02) 850-2325, (02) 772-3982 to 83, or email your inquiries at velca8@gmail.com.

For more information about these exciting offers and to know more about exclusive rewards available only from Citi, visit www.citibank.com.ph

Like this post? Subscribe to Manila Life by Email

Like Manila Life on Facebook to be updated.

Take home Php10,000 worth of P&G products from Citi Credit Cards

Here’s a prize that’s sure to come in handy. Citi credit card holders now have a chance to take home one of 10 gift packs worth Php10,000 each from Procter and Gamble with Citi’s Swipe for a Million raffle promotion. 

Simply use your Citi credit card to earn one raffle entry, no minimum spend required. 

Citi Celebrates 12th Annual Global Community Day in the Philippines Together With Tens of Thousands of Citi Volunteers Across 500 Cities Around the World

Annual event contributes more than three million hours of service since launch

Citi celebrated its 12th annual Global Community Day on June 10, with more than 4,600 Citi volunteers in the Philippines joining the efforts of nearly 100,000 of their colleagues, family and friends in 500 cities in 91 countries and territories to engage in service activities in their local communities. In the days leading up to and including Global Community Day, Citi volunteers participated in more than 1,500 service projects ranging from urban revitalization to mentorship and job skills training, literacy and education, environmental conservation and disaster relief.

Global Community Day offers a wide range of opportunities to work alongside community and non-profit partners to help improve our cities and neighborhoods. 

Build Your Wealth With Citi Priority

Building one’s wealth doesn’t come by accident. It takes years of planning, commitment and discipline – and no other financial institution understands this more than the country’s largest foreign bank.

Citi, the pioneer and leader in wealth management in the Philippines, recently introduced a new banking service targeted for the emerging affluent dubbed Citi Priority.

This latest innovation from Citi provides clients an entrée to global banking services. With Citi Priority, you can enjoy personalized service and access to a menu of relevant products for your growing portfolio.