The challenges of the crisis in world financial markets will be a test of dedication and commitment of organizations, according to Ambassador Tambunting, who emphasized that banks can help the country better overcome the coming challenges by supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, a sector of great importance to the nation’s future.

Ambassador Tambunting outlined a number of initiatives that would enable SMEs to manage better, endure economic shocks and become globally competitive including technology-based business solutions and SME-oriented infrastructure projects.

“We are convinced that we can best do our share by re-affirming our commitment to SMEs, a vital economic sector, and strengthening even more our capacity to assist them, especially during these difficult times,” he said.

SMEs in the Philippines account for 90 percent of its registered companies. SMEs also contribute a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product and employ more than half the labor force.

The Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and GoNegosyo Caravan organizers hailed Plantersbank among Bulacan’s most inspiring homegrown companies, citing its contribution to the emergence of a thriving SME community in the province.

Plantersbank traces its roots to Bulacan where, 36 years ago, the bank started making formal credit available to small farmers and family-owned businesses.

Receiving the award recognizing Plantersbank’s role in development of Bulacan SMEs is Bank president Maria Flordelis F. Aguenza (center). With Mrs. Aguenza (left to right) are Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Teofilo Rivero Jr., Bulacan Governor Joselito Mendoza, Cabinet oversight officer for Micro and SMEs Secretary Cerge M. Remonde and Jose A. Concepcion III, presidential consultant for entrepreneurship.

Ambassador Tambunting said Plantersbank is taking new initiatives to boost the performance of the country’s SME sector, including customized financing and web-based business solutions.

One of these initiatives is the Plantersbank Franchise Loan facility, which is available to companies and franchisees affiliated with the AFFI. The facility finances acquisition of fixed assets, leasehold improvements and working capital requirements.

Plantersbank chairman Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting (fourth from left), AFFI officers and guest celebrities give thumbs up to SME-driven opportunities at the Franchise Show opening. In the photo are Trade and Induistry Undersecretary Merly Cruz (second from right) Plantersbank clients AFFI chairman emeritus Teresita L. Ngan Tian (second from left) of Lots’ A Pizza, AFFI president Rommel T. Juan (sixth from left) of Binalot Fiesta Foods, and AFFI vice president Kamela C. Seen of Plato Wraps.

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Plantersbank chairman Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting declared Small and Medium Entrepreneurs “the key contributors to wealth creation, employment generation and social mobility” in the country today and urged the promotion of the SME sector as the more promising strategy for stimulating economic growth.

Ambassador Tambunting delivered these remarks during the keynote at the well-attended GLOBE Business Appreciation Night in Fort Bonifacio Global City. Dubbed a Celebration of the Filipino Entrepreneurial Spirit, the event was attended by Globe’s Top 300 SME Accounts; partners of Globe Business subscribers; members of the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Incorporated (AFFI); SME finance and micro credit advocates, policy makers and leading executives.

“The great importance of SMEs in our national life cannot be overstated,” according to Ambassador Tambunting, who also noted the apparent failure of past industrialization policies over-emphasizing the development of large enterprises.

“SMEs contribute a quarter of the gross national product, employ half the labor force and generate 60 percent of the country’s exports,” Ambassador Tambunting said. He said SMEs should be seen as the “lead sector in stimulating economic growth, alleviating poverty and promoting a strong middle class” and acknowledged the “perseverance, resilience and sigasig” of Filipino entrepreneurs in pulling through the ravages of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and today’s rising challenges to business.

Thirty six years ago, Ambassador Tambunting was a senior executive of one of our country’s largest commercial banks when he decided to strike out on his own and buy a small Bulacan-based thrift bank. His business plan was to begin small, grow the bank, move it to Makati and then transform it into a commercial bank catering to large corporate accounts. However, fate has charted a different path for Plantersbank. Due to the bank’s small size and its bucolic location, it catered to the small entrepreneurs and producers in the countryside.

“What started as work born out of necessity soon turned into meaningful and gratifying work,” according to Ambassador Tambunting. “Dealing with the small entrepreneurs opened my eyes to the wonderful realization that we were making an impact where it counted most—with the marginalized sectors and the small entrepreneurs in the countryside.”

Plantersbank and Globe Telecom are working closely together to fill the gaps in business services for SMEs. Globe Telecom is currently the co-presenter with Plantersbank e-business affiliate SME.Com.Ph in the nationwide SME Toolkit Road Show series.

Plantersbank unveiled its new Antipolo Branch office at a new and spacious location in the commercial heart of Antipolo City.

The branch recently opened doors at EMS Building on the corner of M.L. Quezon and Dimailig Streets, a short walk from the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage.

Entrepreneurs Jovito Gatlabayan (left) and Felicidad Contrevida cut the ceremonial ribbon at the official opening of the new Plantersbank Antipolo Branch office. With them are Plantersbank president Maria Flordelis F. Aguenza (second from left) and Antipolo Branch manager Cecilia C. Oxales.

Significantly, Antipolo Branch sports the trademark green, red and white corporate livery rendered using cutting-edge LED technology, a contribution by Plantersbank in support of energy-saving alternatives to minimize the carbon footprint.

Branch manager Maria Cecilia C. Oxales said Plantersbank Antipolo is well positioned to meet the requirements of Antipolo’s growing small and medium enterprise (SME) community.

In line with its mission of Enabling Entrepreneurs, Plantersbank offers a wide range of financial products, loans, business solutions and SME-focused services.

The Social Security System (SSS) conferred the “Balikat ng Bayan” award on Plantersbank as Best Participating Financial Institution. Plantersbank was cited for significant contribution in volume and quality of loans to private enterprises under the financing programs administered by the state-run pension fund for private sector employees.

Plantersbank president Maria Flordelis F. Aguenza (2nd from left) received
the award from SSS president and CEO Romulo L. Neri and Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. This is the 5th consecutive year that the Balikat ng Bayan award has been given to Plantersbank.

In its salute to private banks in the countryside development program, the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines named Plantersbank the year’s “Best Countryside Loan Fund Program Partner”.

Landbank chairman Gary B. Teves congratulates Plantersbank president Maria Flordelis F. Aguenza for Plantersbank’s contribution to countryside development as World Bank country director Bert Hoffman looks on.

The latest award acknowledged Plantersbank’s outstanding performance as credit provider to countryside-based small and medium enterprises and the microfinance sector.

Plantersbank recently announced a step up in lending to SMEs engaged in contract growing, processing and food marketing, a move to help boost productivity and incomes in the Philippine countryside.

In southern Philippines, Plantersbank is helping growers sustain global competitiveness by financing the rehabilitation of plantations, expansion of facilities and acquisition of modern equipment.

Plantersbank was elevated to the Countryside Lending Hall of Fame in 2005 after receiving the Most Outstanding Countryside Partner Award for four consecutive years.

The Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBCorp), the state agency for small business finance, recently presented Plantersbank with the Special Citation Award, the “Kabalikat ng MSMEs-Year 1″ for outstanding performance under the SBCorp Financing facilities for Small and Medium Enterprises in 2007. The annual SBCorp awarding ceremony is one of the highlights of the nationwide celebration of SME Development Month.

Plantersbank chairman Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting (holding trophy) and Plantersbank president Maria Flordelis F. Aguenza (center) are shown in photo during the awarding ceremony in the company of SBCorp chairman Virgilio R. Angelo, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Maria Lourdes T. Baua and SBCorp president Benel P. Lagua.

Over the years, Plantersbank has been the recipient of multiple awards from the SBCorp, a feat yet unrivalled by other private financing institutions involved in the SME sector. This year’s award is made more significant by Plantersbank’s decision to go another step beyond financing, by enabling entrepreneurs with web and e-business solutions, cash management services, infrastructure, advocacy and advice.