PHOTO: Revolutionizing Banking Through Digital Transformation: PLDT Enterprise and Signabank gathered to sign off on their continued partnership for a digitally empowered future. (Left to Right) Haycelle Zar Antonio, IT Head, Signabank; Philip Christopher Tongol, Chief Operating Officer, Signabank; Dr. Roman L. Belmonte Jr., President, Signabank; Jay C. Lagdameo, Vice President & Enterprise Revenue Group Head, PLDT Enterprise; Dennis G. Magbatoc, AVP & Head Luzon CRM, PLDT Enterprise; Rexel R. Gongora, Business Head, North Luzon CRM, PLDT Enterprise.
PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the country’s largest telecommunications and digital solutions provider, PLDT, recently announced its strengthened partnership with Signabank Rural Bank of Sta. Ignacia (Signabank), an expanding rural bank in Tarlac. This strategic collaboration, which began in 2015, has significantly transformed Signabank’s operations, reinforcing its commitment of providing top-notch services to its customers.
Established in 1963, Signabank has become one of the most trusted rural banks in Tarlac, celebrating its 60th founding anniversary last September 2023. With a growing network of 10 local branches, it continues to strengthen its position as a vital financial institution to Tarlaceños and the thriving business communities in the region.
Prior to embarking in its digital transformation journey, Signabank faced challenges from intermittent internet connections, restoration delays, to inadequate network security. Each branch operated its own server, incurring significant expenses and maintenance challenges. The bank also needed a secure and branded email solution.
Through PLDT Enterprise, Signabank upgraded its IT and Network infrastructure by bringing in high-speed PLDT Fiber Biz Plans, ensuring reliable and stable internet connections. They also implemented Microsoft 365 with Advance Threat Protection (ATP) through PLDT’s ICT arm, ePLDT, to enhance email security and branding, also providing more advanced and innovative operations for the bank. Furthermore, PLDT Enterprise introduced Azure Stack and Multi-Threat Secure (MTS) to centralize and fortify the bank’s core banking solutions and security.
Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Enterprise Revenue Group Head at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Our collaboration with Signabank reflects our vision to empower the banking industry with transformative digital solutions. We understand the challenges faced by financial institutions and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.”
Dr. Roman L. Belmonte Jr., Signabank President, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership’s outcomes: “Thanks to PLDT Enterprise, we can now enjoy reliable internet connectivity, enhanced email security, and a more secure and efficient core banking infrastructure. We are well-prepared to serve our customers better and continue our growth journey.”
“Signabank’s success story is emblematic of the broader trend in the banking industry in Region III. With the support of PLDT Enterprise, financial institutions are actively embracing digital transformation to provide a seamless and digitally enabled customer experience,” Belmonte concluded.
As Signabank continues to expand its branches, the partnership with PLDT Enterprise will play a pivotal role in ensuring the bank’s continued growth and success. Together, they are working to revolutionize the banking industry and set new standards for operational efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction.
