State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) earned international recognition for its programs aimed at boosting the agricultural sector and promoting reforestation in Mindanao, a senior official said.
The bank was named the Top Community-Centric Company at the 2025 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards. The award cited the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program (APPP), a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, and a 100-hectare reforestation project in Zamboanga Sibugay.
DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank is proud to receive an accolade that recognizes its pursuit of inclusive growth through programs that benefit communities in remote areas.
The Malaysia-based MORS Group organizes the ACES Awards to honor Asian industry leaders that integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into their operations. The group evaluated nominees based on leadership innovation, sustainability efforts and growth impact.
As the executing agency for the Department of Agriculture APPP, DBP was credited with expanding financial inclusion for farmers and creating new livelihood opportunities. The bank also collaborated with Mindanao State University-Buug to restore upland forests while providing sustainable work for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants.
DBP is the 9th largest bank in the Philippines by assets. It focuses credit support on 4 strategic sectors: infrastructure and logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises, the environment and social services.
“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.
