City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), has renewed its commitment to support both teachers and students by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) on 17 February 2025.
The agreement strengthens the bank’s ongoing partnership with DepEd as CitySavings aligns its learning and teaching support programs with DepEd’s current 5-Point Agenda, which addresses key issues in the education sector.
CitySavings Chairperson of the Board and UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz-Delgado noted that “City Savings Bank was founded by my great grandfather, Don Ramon Aboitiz, together with his trusted business partner, Teotimo Abellana, with a simple vision back then to serve people of moderate means.”
“At Aboitiz, everything we do is anchored in our values and our greater purpose. We applaud DepEd for its commitment to improving the quality of education in our country, and rest assured that we in CitySavings and the whole Aboitiz Group are equally committed to enabling teachers and learners to reach their full potential," she added.
CitySavings President and CEO Manuel Santiago Jr. recalled that the bank has maintained a strong focus on supporting teachers.
“Through the years, we have been focused on our beloved teachers, serving their needs as we aim to be a teacher’s bank of choice. Since 2008, we have partnered with DepEd to provide relevant, accessible, and sustainable corporate social responsibility programs,” he said.
The bank’s recent donation of laptops to select DepEd divisions nationwide aims to speed up digitalization efforts and improve learning outcomes in public schools. This project also supports DepEd’s programs ensuring learners and schools are ready for assessments.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude for the bank’s ongoing assistance, saying, “City Savings Bank has long been a trusted partner not just in banking, but in nation building. Your ‘Aboitiz brand’ of care and integrity is also felt in education, especially in strengthening our computerization program.” He also praised CitySavings’ broader community-oriented initiatives. “Through your financial literacy programs, affordable loans, as well as your support during National Teachers’ Month and other DepEd events, we have felt your commitment that goes beyond profit. You’re not just about business but about mission,” he added.