MANILA, Philippines (May 7, 2026) — In a continued effort to bolster membership and drive digital transformation within the development finance sector, the ADFIAP Secretariat met with the leadership of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). The meeting brought ADFIAP and DBP together to align on membership expansion and the deployment of new banking technologies.

Membership Expansion

A primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing initiatives of the ADFIAP Subcommittee on Membership, presided over by its Chairman, DBP President and CEO Michael de Jesus. The subcommittee is leading efforts to bring key institutional players into the ADFIAP network.

The discussion centered on inviting several high-profile prospective financial entities into the ADFIAP fold. These efforts underscore ADFIAP’s commitment to building a more inclusive and robust ecosystem of financial institutions dedicated to sustainable development. Under the guidance of PCEO de Jesus, the Secretariat is actively facilitating high-level follow-ups to finalize these institutional partnerships.

Advancing Digital Frontiers through ABANX

The meeting also featured a comprehensive update on ABANX, ADFIAPNET’s core banking system. As the system reaches full commercial readiness, its rollout is set to modernize operations for several local financial institutions:

• Luzon Milestone: The New Rural Bank of San Leonardo is currently in the final stages of User Acceptance Testing (UAT). Following completion, the bank will proceed with the necessary certifications from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

• Mindanao Pilot Engagement: Through a collaborative effort with the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Cooperative Bank of Cotabato has been designated as the pilot site for the Mindanao rollout. This initiative aligns with the national strategy to digitalize wholesale clients, specifically rural and cooperative banks.

• DBP Strategic Interest: Affirming DBP’s commitment to technological excellence, Atty. Soraya Adiong and Mr. Rodrigo Jesus Mantaring reiterated the bank’s intent to review the ABANX system for potential integration across DBP’s branch network. Furthermore, discussions are underway to organize an ABANX Regional Caravan in Luzon to showcase the platform’s capabilities to a broader group of stakeholders.

Annual Meeting Update: Colombo 2026

Secretary-General Enrique Florencio updates the DBP leadership on the rescheduled ADFIAP Annual Meeting. The event is now set to take place from September 23 to 25, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This gathering remains a cornerstone for member banks to exchange insights and reinforce their shared mission across the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information on ADFIAP initiatives and membership, please contact the Secretariat.