Cebu-based City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) wins its first international award after it was named “Best CSR Bank Philippines 2018” by Global Banking and Finance (GBAF) Review, a leading online and print magazine based in London, United Kingdom.

We have always been a bank who has given back to the communities we serve. This award is a testament to all the hard work that we have done to make our teachers’ lives a little bit better.

As an integral part of its business, CitySavings has a number of notable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and several key external partners. The awarding body has recognized the bank’s CSR for its corporate governance, transparency, sustainable development, environmental policy and human value.

“Global Banking and Finance Review has awarded City Savings Bank, Inc. as the Best CSR Bank Philippines 2018 in recognition of their commitment and leadership in CSR. ‘CitySavings was founded with the vision to “help people of moderate means.” Over the years this sentiment has not changed. This bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the communities they serve. They are helping to improve the lives of educators, students and families through various CSR initiatives aimed at education, awareness and advocacy.

We commend them for their dedication and these excellent initiatives that are contributing greatly to the community,” said Global Banking and Finance Review editor Wanda Rich.

Under DepEd’s Adopt-a-School (ASP) program, CitySavings has actively implemented and supported Brigada Eskwela, other school improvement initiatives, and the department’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) advocacy to spread literacy in underserved communities.

The bank also partnered with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. — Kool Adventure Camp for Project Synergy, an adventure-based leadership training program for educators; Project Teach with Alchemy Education Solutions to implement a distance-based in-school teacher training; and Weather 101 and Tropical Cyclone 101 workshop with Weather Philippines Foundation to build the educators’ capability on disaster preparedness.

CitySavings also conducts Project Per@parasyon (Peraparasyon) which aims to show in simple terms how to achieve financial wellness; and Project Pink to educate and raise awareness on prevention and early detection of breast cancer.