City Savings Bank Strengthens Visayas Network with Strategic Branch Upgrades
Cebu-founded City Savings Bank Inc. (CitySavings), the thrift banking subsidiary under the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, has significantly expanded its regional footprint throughout 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster access to essential banking services across the Visayas region while reinforcing Cebu's pivotal position as a dynamic economic hub in the Philippines.
Cadiz City Branch Upgrade Enhances Service Capacity
In an official statement released by the bank, CitySavings announced the transformation of its branch lite facility in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental into a comprehensive full-service branch during the fourth quarter of 2025. This upgrade substantially enhances the bank's operational capacity to serve customers throughout Central and Western Visayas, particularly those with established financial and employment connections to Cebu.
Broader Network Expansion Across Multiple Regions
The Cadiz City enhancement represents a key component of CitySavings' wider network expansion initiative implemented last year. In addition to the Negros Occidental upgrade, the bank's expansion efforts included the establishment of three new full-service branches in Luzon, along with the launch of two additional branch lite units in Masbate and Camarines Sur.
"Bangko ng Barangay" Strategy Drives Community Banking
CitySavings emphasized that this expansion directly supports its innovative "Bangko ng Barangay" banking strategy. This approach skillfully combines advanced digital banking tools with traditional in-branch services to effectively reach mass market clients across the region. The strategy specifically targets key demographic segments with strong representation in Cebu and surrounding provinces, including public school teachers, government employees, pensioners, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Leadership Emphasizes Accessible Community Banking
"Our growth trajectory fundamentally revolves around delivering simple and accessible banking solutions to the communities we proudly serve," stated Manuel Santiago, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of City Savings Bank. He further highlighted that the bank now operates an extensive network exceeding 150 branches nationwide, demonstrating its substantial commitment to expanding financial inclusion across the Philippine archipelago.
