PSE Circular for Brokers No. 039-98

February 4, 1998 PSE CIRCULAR FOR BROKERS NO. 039-98 NEWS RELEASE Reference: Vicky N. Hernandez (924-5692 or 93) Chamber of Thrift Banks Names New Officers ; Annual Convention Set The Chamber of Thrift Banks, an umbrella organization of 97 thrift banks in the country, has recently elected its new set of officers and directors for this year as preparations for the Annual Convention are underway. Elected as president of the chamber is Ms. Evangeline C. Escobillo (president of Anchor Savings Bank) who is concurrently the president of the Savings Bankers Association of the Philippines. Other officers are: Mr. Dionisio C. Ong (Asiatrust Bank president), 1st vice-president and at the same time president of the Development Bankers Association of the Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Mr. Rogelio B. Panlasigue, (Active Bank), 2nd vice president and also president of the Philippine Federation of Savings and Loan Thrift Banks; Mr. Virgilio M. Morada, (Lipa City Development Bank), secretary; Mr. Jose P. Mendoza, (RCBC Savings Bank), treasurer and Mr. Reynato D. Sarmiento (Real Bank) auditor. The directors include: Mr. Aurelio R. Montinola III (BPI Family Bank); Atty. Adelita A. Vergel de Dios (Philippine Savings Bank); Mr. Eduardo V. Lim (Isla Bank); Ms. Cynthia A. Villar (Capitol Development Bank); Mr. Rogelio M. Florete (Queen City Development Bank); Ms. Belen R. Castro (Premiere Development Bank); Ms. Violeta M. Inocencio (Farmers Savings and Loan Bank); Mr. Benjamin C. Palaganas (Merchants Bank) and Ms. Ma Consorcia L. Tamayo (University Savings & Loan Bank). Meanwhile, the chamber is preparing for its annual convention on March 3, at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila to coincide with the Thrift Banks Week on the first week of March. This year's theme is "Thrift Banking in Extraordinary Times". The country's top bankers and finance personalities as well as some "presidentiables" are expected to grace the affair as guest speakers. The convention will gather over 200 senior officials of the chamber's member-banks. It will serve as a venue for top bank suppliers to present the latest in banking products and services. Organized in 1974, the chamber was envisioned to create an institution of assistance and cooperation among thrift banks, the banking sector, and the government, in particular, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Likewise, it serves as a medium to advocate and strengthen the role of thrift banks in the economic development of the country through the accumulation of savings and enhancement of trade, commerce, industry and agriculture. Thrift banks are the major providers of funds to small and medium enterprises, with 80 percent of their portfolio lent out to this sector. -ENDS HERE-