DBP bags ACES award for agri, reforestation efforts

DT·13 February 2026, 5:08 pm·1 min read

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DBP bags ACES award for agri, reforestation efforts — DBP Senior Vice President Mario Rey T. Morales (second from left) and Senior Assistant Vice President Shirley Mae B. Serate (second from right), together with Senior Vice President Francis Thaddeus L. Rivera (rightmost) and First Vice President Jeshryl D. Aranzaso (leftmost), received the Gold Trophy and Certificate of Merit during the 12th Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards in Bali, Indonesia recognizing DBP’s contribution in Mindanao State University–Buug Forest Project and Department of Agriculture’s Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program.

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines has received international recognition for promoting agricultural growth and environmental sustainability through its partnership programs with the Department of Agriculture and a reforestation project in Mindanao.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the bank was named Top Community-Centric Company at the 2025 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards for implementing the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program and a 100-hectare reforestation project in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“DBP is proud to receive this accolade that recognizes the Bank’s tireless pursuit of supporting the National Government’s thrust for inclusive growth through the implementation of programs that directly benefit communities, especially in far-flung areas,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the ninth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors: infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; and social services and community development.

The Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards, organized by Malaysia-based MORS Group, recognize companies in Asia that integrate Environmental, Social and Governance principles into their operations. Criteria include leadership innovation, sustainability initiatives and growth impact.

De Jesus said DBP was cited for serving as the executing agency of the DA’s Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program, which aims to expand farmers’ access to financial services and promote livelihood opportunities.

The bank was also recognized for its reforestation initiative with Mindanao State University-Buug, which restored a 100-hectare upland forest in Zamboanga Sibugay and provided sustainable livelihood opportunities for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants.

“We view this latest recognition as a validation of DBP’s relevance as a government financial institution, one that not only funds high-impact projects and initiatives but also serves the fundamental needs of its primary stakeholder—the Filipino people,” de Jesus said.

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