If Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) was once perceived as an upscale bank catering primarily to affluent clients, it is now reaching out to a broader base of customers by offering a wider range of products and services that meet the needs of more Filipinos in the digital age.
Proof of this is the official launch of “Himala,” a campaign that marks a departure from the bank’s previous marketing efforts and introduces the May BPI Dito Partner Store, which turns everyday neighborhood stores into mini-BPI branch hubs.
Starting July 1, 2026, BPI customers can open accounts, make deposits, and withdraw cash at partner stores under the Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) banner, including Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Easymart, The Marketplace, and Uncle John. The initiative builds on the 2024 merger of Robinsons Bank and BPI.
Other partners include Prince Retail, Prince Warehouse, Savers Depot, and Tambunting Pawnshop, further expanding access to banking services in different parts of the country.
The real ‘miracle’
With a nationwide network of more than 7,000 retail partner stores, customers can now open accounts and apply for BPI products while running errands at groceries, pharmacies, and gas stations, without having to visit a traditional BPI branch.
Cash deposit and withdrawal services are currently available at 1,369 partner stores.
For deposits and withdrawals, customers can use the BPI app to generate a barcode, which they then present to, say, the cashier for processing. The same barcode may also be shared with relatives and friends, who can then proceed to the partner store nearest them.
Deposits are limited to P10,000 per barcode, while withdrawals are also capped at P10,000.
Explaining the “Himala” initiative, BPI president and CEO TG Limcaoco said:
“The real miracle is not technology itself—it is giving more Filipinos the opportunity to participate in the financial system with ease and confidence.”
Limcaoco also pointed to BPI’s growing partner network, which he said “are transforming everyday locations into gateways to banking, helping make financial inclusion a reality for more communities.”
Fully integrated banking ecosystem
For his part, BPI agency banking head Rally Jereza recalled the journey that led to the initiative.
“What began in 2023 as product application points has evolved into a fully integrated banking ecosystem. Every phase, from enabling transactions on tablets, to barcode withdrawals, and now barcode deposits, was built to ensure safety, simplicity, and trust.”
More than just an expansion, Jereza said the development represents a “redefinition of what a bank can be in the digital age.”
Indeed, as this latest launch shows, the BPI of today has come a long way from the days when its banking services may have seemed out of reach to many Filipinos. Now, the bank is building a more inclusive financial ecosystem by becoming more present in the daily lives of customers across the country. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Features Reporter
