Monthly Archives: September 2025

Makati City, September 30, 2025 — Security Bank has announced the appointment of Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is set to assume the role in early January 2026, following the completion of his work permit, visa, and other regulatory requirements. He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead the Bank until that time. Upon stepping down, Mr. Vohra will transition to the role of Senior Advisor to the Board.

Victor Lee is a Singaporean banker with over 30 years of leadership experience throughout Asia. Most recently, he served as CEO of CIMB Singapore and CEO of Growth Markets for CIMB Bank Berhad.

At CIMB Singapore, Mr. Lee spearheaded a period of strong growth, doubling revenue and raising Return on Equity to nearly 20%. Under his leadership, the bank was recognized by The Straits Times as one of the Top 3 institutions for customer experience for three consecutive years (2023–2025). He also fostered a culture where employees felt more engaged and valued, with satisfaction levels rising significantly during his tenure.

Sanjiv Vohra assumed leadership of the Bank just months before the onset of the global pandemic. Despite unprecedented challenges, he led the organization through transformational change—strengthening digital and customer-first strategies, building a culture that has made Security Bank an Employer of Choice, advancing its sustainability agenda, and positioning the Bank for long-term profitability.

“We’re grateful to Sanjiv for his steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. His vision and dedication have left the Bank stronger, more resilient, and well-prepared for the future,” noted Cirilo Noel, Security Bank Chairman. “As we welcome Victor, we’re confident this seamless transition will allow us to sustain momentum and capture new opportunities.”

Mr. Vohra said: “As I prepare to step down, I leave with pride and gratitude in what we have accomplished together. Our journey over the past six years has been one of total transformation—reimagining Security Bank from front to back. We have strengthened our people, embraced new technology, modernized platforms, and, most importantly, embedded customer-centricity at the heart of everything we do. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of our team, and the trust of our clients and partners. As I step aside, I am confident the Bank is well-positioned to continue its momentum and achieve even greater success in the years ahead.”

Mr. Lee adds: “I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility. Security Bank has built a strong reputation for customer-centricity, innovation, and its distinct BetterBanking experience. I look forward to working with Sanjiv, the Board, and all employees to continue building on this foundation and delivering sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”

As the holiday season draws near, it’s always a good idea to set the mood with joyful discoveries to bring out the Christmas in us. Here are some offers from SM City Marilao that are perfect for giving or simply making you happy.




Customized Gift Ideas from The Fat Bunny Club


There is nothing like a well-chosen, personalized gift. The Fat Bunny Club promotes creativity with their exquisite assortment of lovely patches, personalized bag tags, pouches, keychains, and more!




Practical Stationeries at Miniso






Get some premium stationery from Miniso at SM City Marilao as a thoughtful present. For those looking for traditional Christmas finds, such as sturdy ballpoint pens, pocket notebooks, two-way colored pens, and much more, Miniso will always be the best place to go.




Upbeat Accessories from Broadway Gems






The Christmas season requires a few delicate pieces to create unique ensembles. You can depend on Broadway Gems in SM City Marilao for chic girl accents suitable for all the gatherings and activities you will be attending this Yuletide season.




Portable Appliances at SM Appliance Center






Small but functional items always have a particular allure. At SM Appliance Center, you may get portable appliances that are perfect for tiny spaces or as gifts for friends who recently moved into a new residence. These include flat irons without the bulk, fancy-colored little electric fans, and portable rice cookers.


Give in to your heart’s desires this holiday season. Jumpstart Christmas with joyful finds from SM City Marilao. For updates and sneak peeks, visit https://www.facebook.com/SMCityMarilao.

Manila, Philippines – The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) has always been a celebration of books, ideas, and innovation. This year, C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (C&E ALS) took center stage with its groundbreaking “C&E ALS University” booth, a visually stunning and highly interactive showcase that blended tradition and technology to highlight how education is evolving in the Philippines.

A Booth that Captured Attention

The “Campus of the Future” stood out at the SMX Convention Center with its unique design: curved walls symbolizing adaptability, green strips echoing the vibrancy of campus life, and modern archways that invited visitors to step into a space where past and future converged. From the outside alone, the booth signaled something different: a glimpse of how classrooms, libraries, and campuses could look and feel in the years ahead.

“Our vision was to create more than a booth,” said John Emyl G. Eugenio, COO of C&E ALS. “We wanted to give educators, students, and partners a real experience of what the future of learning looks like, one where books, digital solutions, AI, and hands-on tools all come together.”

Honoring Tradition, Driving Innovation

Inside the booth, C&E ALS showcased its full spectrum of solutions, positioning itself as a complete education partner for schools and institutions: Print and Digital Content from C&E Publishing and world-renowned partners such as McGraw Hill, Elsevier, Sage, Pearson, Cengage, and Wiley; Library and Learning Platforms, including Canvas LMS, distributed by C&E ALS in the Philippines; STEAM and Makerspace Tools for all levels, designed to spark creativity and innovation in students; AI-Powered Solutions that helps educators run their courses faster and with greater precision; and Technology Collaborations with global leaders like Samsung and Britannica, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing future-ready tools.

This holistic presentation showed that for C&E ALS, innovation and tradition are not opposing forces but partners in shaping tomorrow’s classrooms.

C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions unveiled its “Campus of the Future” at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, showcasing innovations that bridge tradition and technology in Philippine education

A Hub of Engagement and Discovery

Beyond being visually striking, the booth became a lively hub of activity. Thousands of visitors–from teachers and librarians to students and parents–took part in interactive

experiences such as the Course Card Passport Challenge, where participants explored different zones, learned about new solutions, and earned instant prizes.

Teachers tested AI platforms for lesson planning, librarians discovered tools to streamline resource management, and students experimented with STEAM kits. The result was an environment that felt more like a living campus than an exhibition booth.

Spotlight on Generative AI

One of the key highlights of C&E ALS’s participation was the seminar on Generative AI in Education, led by Engr. Ericson Dimaunahan, Director of the Office of Digital Education, Learning Technologies and Analytics at Mapúa University. 

Held on September 11, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, the session drew educators eager to understand how AI can improve efficiency, personalize learning, and enhance teaching quality.

“Education has always been shaped by the tools of its time. Our task as decision makers is not just to keep pace, but to set direction,” said C&E ALS Representative Ronald Laovinia.

The seminar resonated with attendees, many of whom expressed excitement about integrating AI-driven solutions into their classrooms. It underscoredC&E ALS’s mission not only to showcase tools but also to lead the conversation on how emerging technologies can transform learning in the Philippines.

C&E ALS’s seminar on Generative AI in Education sparked excitement among teachers about using AI to enhance efficiency and personalize learning.

A Strong Turnout and Positive Impact

The booth’s design, activities, and solutions drew strong engagement throughout the five-day fair. C&E ALS reported thousands of visitors, from casual fairgoers to decision-makers in education, underscoring the company’s role as a thought leader in the sector.
“Seeing so many educators and students actively engage with our solutions tells us we are on the right path,” Eugenio said. “It validates our mission to make education more adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready.”

Looking Beyond MIBF

While the “Campus of the Future” was a highlight of MIBF 2025, C&E ALS emphasized that the showcase was just the beginning. The company remains committed to expanding its ecosystem of solutions for Philippine schools and institutions, ensuring that both tradition and innovation continue to shape education.

“At MIBF 2025, we showed how education is both about shaping the future and honoring tradition,” Eugenio added. “After the fair, our focus is to keep driving innovation that empowers educators and inspires learners nationwide.”

With the success of its MIBF participation, C&E ALS upheld its position as a leader in educational transformation. By seamlessly integrating print books, digital content and platforms, STEAM, and adaptive tech like AI, the company is preparing Filipino children to thrive in the future, staying true to its promise of adapting today, shaping tomorrow.

Innovation doesn’t stop at the fair! After showcasing the “Campus of the Future” at MIBF 2025, C&E ALS continues its mission to empower educators and inspire learners.

Security Bank opens its 361^st branch in Naic, Cavite (L-R): Ronald Austria, SVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Head; Jeany Sabillo, General Manager of Lotus Development Corporation; Bienvenido Guevera Jr., President of Haumaru Realty Ventures; Marcela Angeles, Sales Manager of Antel Land Holdings, Inc. – Anyana Tanza; Hon. Mayor Rommel Magbitang, Municipal Mayor of Naic; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Atty. Arnel Janabajal, President of Colegio de Naic; Lourdeni Sourtijas, Business Manager of Naic Branch and Hannah Anonuevo, FVP and Area Head

Makati, Philippines –   Security Bank has inaugurated its 361st branch in Naic, Cavite, strengthening its footprint in Southern Luzon and bringing its signature BetterBanking experience closer to residents and local businesses.

“Our newest branch is strategically located in Naic— a fast-growing, well-connected community that’s becoming a prime destination for families and businesses alike. It’s the perfect place to bring our enhanced banking services even closer to customers,” says Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head of Security Bank.  

With Naic steadily emerging as a key growth corridor in Cavite, Security Bank’s new branch aims to provide convenient access to a wide range of financial solutions to support both personal and business needs.

The Naic branch is open Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

For more information on Security Bank’s latest products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.

Manila, Philippines – Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation, the investment banking arm of Security Bank, has been recognized as the Philippines’ Best Investment Bank for Financing 2025 at Euromoney’s Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence.

Euromoney cited Security Bank Capital’s pioneering role in sustainable and large-scale financings, including:

• Sustainability leadership – Arranging the country’s first sustainability-linked bonds for Ayala Land, Inc. worth PHP14 billion, with innovative step-up features tied to performance targets; and the oversubscribed PHP10 billion ASEAN green bonds for Energy Development Corporation.
• Transformational infrastructure – Leading the landmark PHP52 billion project finance facility for New NAIA Infra Corp., a new benchmark for PPP airport projects.
• Capital market depth – Closing nine major bond issuances in 2024 totaling PHP139 billion, including SM Prime’s PHP25-billion issue and SMC Tollways’ PHP35-billion debut—the largest in the market.
• Energy transition financing – Delivering PHP91.8 billion in project finance, such as the 450MW 3 Barracuda Solar Project, the largest solar financing in Philippine history.*
• Equity capital markets – Raising PHP40.1 billion across four equity deals, highlighted by Citicore Renewable Energy’s IPO and the largest preferred share offerings from Petron and Ayala Corporation.

“Security Bank Capital has cemented its position as a cornerstone of investment banking in the Philippines,” Euromoney noted. The recognition adds to the firm’s recent distinctions, including Best Investment Bank in the Philippines (Alpha Southeast Asia 2025), Best ESG House in the Philippines (Euromoney 2024), and Best ECM House – Highly Commended (FinanceAsia).

“This recognition by Euromoney is a testament to our role as a trusted partner in enabling our clients’ growth and the country’s sustainable development,” said Virgilio Chua, President and CEO of Security Bank Capital. “From renewable energy to infrastructure and inclusive finance, we remain committed to delivering solutions that power progress for businesses, communities, and the nation.”

*as of 2024

Let’s be real: Money these days feels like it disappears the second it hits your account. Prices keep climbing, bills never take a break, and that dream trip? Always just a little out of reach. If you’re already grinding this hard for every peso, it’s only fair your money hustles just as hard for you.

That’s where Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, changes the game. Unlike the small returns you get from other banks, Maya Savings gives you one of the highest rates with up to 15% per annum. You only need to use Maya for your daily transactions. That’s your money multiplying faster than your weekend plans stack up.

You can even get extra intentional with your finances by setting up to five Maya Personal Goals accounts. Each one earns 4% p.a. from the get-go, and the rate grows every time you add ₱20,000—going up to 8% p.a. on deposits up to ₱100,000. Whether it’s for travel, concert, or a rainy-day fund, every peso you tuck away is clocking in overtime. And if guaranteed returns are more your style, Maya Time

Deposit Plus has you covered. You can lock in your money for 3, 6, 12 months with rates as high as 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per Time Deposit Plus account, and with up to 5 accounts, that’s as much as ₱5 million in total interest-earning deposits. The best part? Unlike traditional time deposits, you can keep adding funds anytime, even after reaching your target amount. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” way to grow your money with peace of mind.

And here’s the plot twist: growing your money doesn’t stop when you save, it happens when you spend, too. With the Maya Black Credit Card, every swipe earns you Maya Miles. Your morning latte, that spontaneous online checkout, even your flights themselves all turn into future travel, dining, and shopping wins.
If you’re a Landers loyalist, the Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card is your ultimate cheat code. Imagine 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% everywhere else. Whether it’s groceries, date nights, or little splurges, you’re always getting something back.
The truth is, not everyone gets handed financial advantages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build your own. With Maya’s powerful savings and rewarding credit cards, your money isn’t just safe, it’s stretching, multiplying, and hustling right alongside you.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

October ushers in the heart of the ber months in the Philippines, a season filled with early Christmas shopping, fiesta vibes, and the excitement of cooler days ahead. What better way to welcome it than with a shopping spree that promises both savings and style?

From October 3 to 5, SM Center Sangandaan kicks off its first big sale of 2025, treating shoppers to up to 70% off on fashion finds, tech must-haves, home essentials, beauty services, and more. The best deals await at SM Hypermarket, Ace Hardware, Miniso, Simply Shoes, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, and over 100 other stores across the mall.

It is the perfect excuse to tick off that Christmas gift list early, refresh your wardrobe for the season, or simply indulge in retail therapy with friends. With exclusive promos, freebies, and surprises lined up, you will have even more reasons to fill those shopping bags to the brim.

Mark your calendars, rally your shopping squad, and be part of SM Center Sangandaan’s 3-Day Sale tradition because in this part of the city, October means bargains you cannot resist.

For updates and event details, follow SM Center Sangandaan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smcentersangandaan

21 September 2025, Makati City, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) has been selected for inclusion in the FTSE Asia Pacific Small Cap Index, one of the region’s most recognized benchmarks used by global institutional investors.

The announcement, made as part of FTSE’s September 2025 quarterly review, reflects Security Bank’s growing stature in the Philippine financial sector and its consistent market performance. The inclusion took effect on September 19, 2025 (after close of business).

“This recognition underscores the trust that investors continue to place in Security Bank,” said Sanjiv Vohra, President & CEO. “Our commitment to delivering BetterBanking and creating long-term value for clients, communities, and shareholders is now being validated on a global stage.”

The FTSE Asia Pacific Small Cap Index forms part of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (GEIS), a comprehensive framework covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-cap stocks across developed and emerging markets. Within this series, the FTSE Global Small Cap Index represents over 5,800 stocks with a combined market capitalization of about USD7 trillion.

Built on clear, rules-based criteria, FTSE GEIS provides investors with a transparent and unbiased view of global equity markets. Constituents are screened for liquidity and investability to ensure the index remains tradable and representative. The index is calculated using both price and total return methodologies. To stay aligned with evolving market conditions, the index is reviewed and rebalanced on a quarterly basis.

Security Bank was among a select group of Philippine companies named in the FTSE review. Its addition highlights the Bank’s increasing relevance to international investors, who often use FTSE indices to guide investment decisions.

“As we celebrate our 74th anniversary this year, being part of the FTSE Asia Pacific Small Cap Index reinforces our mission to be the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines,” added Vohra. “We see this milestone not only as market recognition, but as an inspiration to continue innovating and putting customers at the heart of everything we do.”