EastWest Leads Tourism Empowerment as Major Sponsor of Philippine Travel Mart 2025

EastWest took part in the opening of the 36th Philippine Travel Mart, standing alongside leaders in advancing travel opportunities and empowering communities through finance, digital solutions, and partnerships.

EastWest joined the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2025 as a major sponsor, backing the growth of tourism through accessible financing, digital tools, and collaborations across the industry. Speaking at the opening ceremony, EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo addressed industry stakeholders with a powerful call to reimagine tourism not just as a destination economy, but as a platform for identity, livelihood, and national pride.

As EastWest CEO Ngo puts it, “Filipino hospitality is never transactional; it is deeply personal. Tourism is not just an industry for us. It is an ecosystem--one we want to nurture from the ground up through partnerships and collaborations.”

A Booth That Travels With You

At PTM 2025, EastWest's dedicated booth offers a gateway to rewarding travel experiences. Visitors can:

• Apply for EastWest credit cards on-site

• Inquire about Personal Loans, Priority Banking, and Travel Insurance products

• Explore exclusive installment promos at select travel merchants

EastWest Early Entrance: Because Travel Should Start Easy

As a special treat, EastWest credit cardholders enjoyed early 9:00-10:00AM access to the exhibit-beating the crowds and grabbing the best deals before general public entry.

This benefit is part of the Bank's broader mission to deliver ease, personalization, and access through its “EasyWay to Bank” platform, enabling smarter travel, better financing options, and seamless digital experiences.

Banking That Goes Further

From travel-ready credit cards and installment options to NFC payments, real-time rewards, and access to airport lounges, EastWest continues to build a travel ecosystem that's not only convenient-but empowering. Its parent company, Filinvest, complements this mission through sustainable tourism investments in hospitality, F&B innovation, and eco-conscious infrastructure development.

Partnering for Progress

“Tourism thrives when government, LGUs, communities, transport, technology, and yes, banks come together,” Ngo noted. “If we nurture it, if we empower it with the right financial tools, the right partnerships, and the right spirit, then tourism will not just grow - it will transform lives.”

By sponsoring PTM 2025, EastWest not only supports tourism promotion, it actively contributes to tourism empowerment through financial tools, digital channels, and community development.

“At EastWest, we help power transformations,” said Ngo.

EastWest Rural Bank Champions Health and Education in Davao Del Norte with Pioneering Initiative

 

Front row (from left to right):
Dr. Mahmod L. Bernardino Jr., MD; Racquel Bernardino; Germie B. Capiolos, Loans Specialist; Nelson B. Nazareno, Team Leader – Sales; Ronie D. Maog, Loans Specialist; Aeron M. Santos, Digital Channels & Brand Management Officer; Sarah F. Montero, Product Management Officer; Hera A. Duka, Business Innovation Group Leader; Dominic M. Dizon, District Supervisor; Marilou A. Malinao, Team Leader - Sales & Collection; Roy P. Miano, Business Innovation Group, Team Leader, EastWest Rural Bank

EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) proudly launched its first Brigada Eskwela campaign for the year at Gupitan Elementary School in the remote barangay of Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte. This event is the first of a series of Health & Wellness initiatives that the Bank will run with partner districts/divisions or schools across the country, marking EWRB’s continuing commitment to the Department of Education’s MATATAG agenda, aimed at supporting teachers so they can teach better everyday.

The program included a variety of activities designed to uplift and engage educators. These included games, a raffle with prizes such as a Huawei Matepad and gift boxes, a wellness talk by Dr. Mahmod Bernardino on holistic health, a session on the impact of cybersecurity on financial health. The Komo App was also showcased, introducing digital tools to support the audiences’ professional and personal lives.

Dominic M. Dizon, the District Head of Langilan shared his gratitude, noting the significant impact of such support on the community’s educators. “This support from EastWest Rural Bank is invaluable. It enhances our ability to serve our students effectively, ensuring that our teachers are not only well-equipped but also well-cared for,” said Mr. Dizon.

Strengthening Connections

Shiela Marasigan Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, expressed her enthusiasm for what’s ahead: “At EWRB, we believe in the power of community and education. Today’s event is just the start. We are committed to not only supporting our teachers with resources but also empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need for their critical role in shaping future generations.”

This initiative is a testament to EWRB’s dedication to community engagement and the enhancement of educational environments across the Philippines, setting a strong foundation for future support programs.