PNB pushes growth of Luzon economy

MANILA, Philippines — Lucio Tan-led Philippine National Bank (PNB) recently hosted a first-of-its-kind innovation forum dubbed “2019 Transforum: Connecting You Forward” for its corporate clients in the region which was graced by over a hundred business owners and entrepreneurs from North and Central Luzon.

PNB president and chief executive officer Jose Arnulfo Veloso said the bank held the innovation gathering as it supports building a more robust economic landscape for the region.

“We are bringing groups of knowledge experts together with businesses who have successfully deployed new technologies. We want to show business owners the latest trends in innovation as many of them gear up their businesses for the next level,” Veloso said.

Luzon is a major contributor to the economy as it is the base of many businesses as the region combines the advantages of having agricultural and industrial zones, tourism and retail areas, an international airport, a seaport, support services, and major highways.

“We see growth in many regions and we aim to drive local economies in the countryside to help sustain the country’s economy as a whole,” Veloso said, adding that PNB’s strategy is focused on pursuing safe, aggressive growth in various areas of business.

The transforum was held a day before PNB hosted the Asian Bankers Association conference at the Shangri-La Manila, an annual gathering of top bankers and finance executives from various Asian countries.