The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), one of the Philippines’ largest banks, earned two major honors at the Asian Management Excellence Awards 2025 that recognize its commitment to employee engagement, innovation, and continuous learning.
The bank was named Philippines Innovator of the Year – Banking and Philippines Employee Engagement of the Year – Banking at the prestigious awards, which celebrate outstanding organizations for excellence in leadership, diversity and inclusion, and workplace initiatives. This recognition underscores BPI’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment, and sustainable growth—driving a better future for its employees, customers, and the communities it serves
This achievement also highlights the transformative efforts within the Retail Lending and Bancassurance Group, led by Vice President and Group Head Dexter Lloyd Cuajotor. Through innovation and a strong commitment to employee engagement, the group has achieved historic growth and introduced initiatives that have redefined how BPI connects with its employees, customers, and communities.
Under Cuajotor’s leadership, retail loans experienced an average year-on-year loan release increase of 32%, achieved through a unified mission and a focus on customer delight, data-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and innovative product and service offerings.
Cuajotor knows that his strength lies in his team, so he has implemented several management programs, including the Lead Coordinators Network, which has enabled quick cross-silo collaboration across the group’s nine divisions and 22 locations.
This initiative has fostered a close-knit and empowered network of leaders who champion the group’s mission, engage employees locally, and coordinate relief efforts, including finding missing employees during typhoons.
He has also launched the nationwide volunteerism program BPI ICare IShare, which involves BPI units across the Philippines conducting simultaneous activities in various communities. In the last cycle, over 120 volunteers have brought joy to more than 300 beneficiaries.
Together with his team, the group has also introduced innovative programs aimed at financial inclusion and sustainability. Notable among these are BPI MyBahay, the first down-market commercial bank housing loan in the Philippines designed for low-income earners, and BPI Green Solutions, the first retail loan sustainability suite in the country. These programs have supported over 6,000 Filipino families and generated PHP6.5 billion in loans within two years.
One of the bank’s most notable initiatives is the Innovation Lab, which empowers employees to ideate, collaborate, and implement solutions within 60 days in a controlled and safe environment.
At the heart of the Innovation Lab is a framework centered around building an innovation culture and deep learning. This approach focusses on being outcome-driven, customer-focused, and agile. It has proven highly effective in fostering a more engaged and empowered workforce.
In just 24 months, it has enabled employees across all levels to launch over 100 impactful projects, enhancing both personal career fulfilment and organizational growth. Employees participating in the Innovation Lab have also reported stronger career fulfilment, with many gaining clarity on their potential career paths and leadership opportunities within the organization.