BDO vows support to SMEs

MANILA, Philippines – Banco De Oro Unibank Inc. (BDO) continues to support to SME (small and medium enterprises) clients by providing them helpful tips on how to be successful.

BDO held recently a forum in Cebu City similar to what it conducted in Batangas, Cavite, Cabanatuan and Davao. The Cebu assembly, attended by more than 500 clients, featured an entrepreneurship expert, one of Cebu’s most successful businessmen and resource speakers from BDO.

Entrepreneurship guru Prof. Andy Ferreria gave helpful tips on running a business while Dr. Rico Gandionco, chief executive of Cebu Primera Food Industries, shared their family’s success story on Julie’s Bakeshop.

During his talk, Dr. Gandionco, an orthopedic surgeon by profession, shared this advice: “You got to have passion for the business. If not at the start, you must at least learn to love an important aspect of it and loving it whole will be a natural consequence. Bring God into your business and the workplace. Pay attention to details.”

From BDO, FVP and chief market strategist Jonathan Ravelas discussed the current state of the economy and outlook for the near-term; SEVP for institutional banking Walter Wassmer familiarized the clients of the Bank’s wide-ranging loan products; SVP for transaction banking group Jaime Nasol acquainted the audience with cash management, including collection and disbursement tools specifically for SMEs; while BDO Leasing and Finance president Roberto Lapid presented leasing opportunities accessible to clients.

BDO president Nestor V. Tan, who led the question and answer part, said doing the “Grow Your Business with BDO” forum in key areas around the country, is the bank’s way of reaching out to small businesses.

“BDO grew as a result of helping businesses like you. No business is too small for the Bank,” he added.