PHILGUARANTEE, Top Bank Philippines Inc. Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Housing and MSME Credit Access
State-owned Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE) has signed a guarantee agreement with Top Bank Philippines, Inc. on December 2, 2025, during ceremonies held at the Top Bank Headquarters in Makati City. The partnership aims to strengthen and sustain the credit environment for housing and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expanding financing opportunities and promoting resilient and inclusive growth.
The ceremonial signing was led by PHILGUARANTEE President and CEO Alberto E. Pascual, Senior Vice President for the Housing Guarantee Group Teresito Cayo A. Butardo, Senior Vice President for the Priority Sectors Guarantee Group Celso R. Gutierrez, and Vice President for the Housing Business Development Department Meynardo T. Talens, Jr. They were joined by Top Bank Philippines, Inc. President and CEO Ismael “Mike” R. Sandig, Chief Operating Officer Remo Romulo M. Garrovillo, Jr., Institutional Banking Group Head Regina S. Aringo-Cañoneo, and SME Account Officer Mary Jean Q. Rodriguez.
The ceremonial signing began with a brief introduction of Top Bank Philippines, Inc. Ms. Aringo-Cañoneo shared that Top Bank Philippines, Inc., “formerly known as Country Builders Bank,” is a leading rural bank rebranded with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas authorization in January 19, 2024 and officially recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in April 30, 2024. She highlighted the bank’s commitment to personalized services, its network of 41 branches, and its continued drive for excellence and innovation in 2025. She also noted the bank’s recent global recognitions, including “Best Rural Bank” and “Best Bank Transformation,” and the ACES Award received by PCEO Sandig as one of Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives for steering the bank’s digital and customer-centric transformation.
While SVP Butardo introduced PHILGUARANTEE as a government-owned and controlled corporation created under Executive Order No. 58, s. 2018, which consolidated the functions of several credit guarantee institutions into central credit guarantor of the Philippines under the Department of Finance. He explained that “PHILGUARANTEE provides guarantee coverage for loans extended by banks, and financial institutions to priority sectors such as housing, MSMEs, agriculture, infrastructure and exports”, with a mandate to enhance financial inclusion and expand credit access by reducing lender risk. He also highlighted the Corporation’s strong partnerships with government agencies, banks, cooperatives, and rural financial institutions, and reported that as of October 31, 2025, PHILGUARANTEE maintains an outstanding guarantee portfolio of P291.33 billion as it continues to broaden programs supporting economic resilience and inclusive nation-building.
PCEO Pascual highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “This contract signing reflects our shared commitment to bringing greater financial access and opportunities closer to every Filipino family.” He added, “To our MSME credit guarantee facility, we have opened more doors for micro, small, and medium enterprises enabling local entrepreneurs expand, create jobs, and uplift their communities. Now to our housing retail guarantee facility, we are opening another important door, one that leads directly to the dream of homeownership.”
PCEO Sandig expressed, “This is a milestone we will cherish forever. The guarantee you give us puts us on equal footing with other financial industries.” He added, “Having a secured position through PHILGUARANTEE strengthens our loan portfolio with enhanced protection.” He further noted that with PHILGUARANTEE’s added protection, their financial position is even stronger. The support provided by PHILGUARANTEE is invaluable and is expected to yield meaningful and impactful results.
This signing marks a new chapter in the partnership between PHILGUARANTEE and Top Bank Philippines, Inc., reflecting their shared dedication to advancing financial inclusion and empowering Filipino families and businesses to thrive.
From: Strategy Management and Communications Department
