The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has come a long way since it opened its doors on August 1, 1851. As the first bank in the Philippines and the oldest in Southeast Asia, BPI is celebrating its 175th anniversary — and Mindanao has been a big part of that journey.
Seven decades in Mindanao
BPI first set foot in Davao back in 1952 with just its fifth branch outside Manila. Fast forward to today, and the bank has grown its Mindanao presence significantly. As of June 30, 2026, BPI now operates 74 BPI branches across the region, along with 91 BanKo branches, 12 Legazpi Savings Bank (LSB) branches, and 639 Agency Banking partner stores. That’s a lot of ways to bring banking closer to more Filipinos.
Bringing digital and personal banking together
In 2025, BPI opened its first Prime Phygital branch in Mindanao at Azuela Cove in Davao City. It’s a space that combines the convenience of digital banking with the warmth of face-to-face service—a seamless blend of technology and personal connection.
BPI is also making moves toward more sustainable banking. Of the 17 branches nationwide equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, four are right here in Mindanao, located in Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Because banking should be convenient—and environmentally conscious.
Growing with communities
For BPI Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Cathy Santamaria, the Mindanao expansion is about more than just numbers.
“Mindanao has been an important part of BPI’s journey for more than seven decades. As we celebrate 175 years, we are proud to continue growing with the communities we serve, while doing more to make banking more accessible and relevant to their everyday needs.”
From that first Davao branch to its expanding network of digital-enabled banking spaces today, BPI continues to bring its 175-year legacy into the communities of Mindanao—while looking ahead to the future.
