Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) recently marked its 32nd anniversary with the unveiling of a World War II History Wall at its main office in Makati City. This commemorative wall is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino veterans who fought during the war, and it underscores the bank’s enduring mission to honor these heroes, who were also the institution’s original shareholders.
Situated in an area with its own significant wartime history, the Makati branch of PVB offers visitors a glimpse into the local and national events that shaped the Philippines during World War II. The History Wall is designed not only as a tribute but as a reminder of the resilience and courage that helped forge the nation’s path to independence. This feature, which will become a standard installation across all PVB branches nationwide, symbolizes the bank’s commitment to keeping the legacy of its founders alive.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we honor the enduring spirit and immense contributions of our nation’s heroes to our society,” said Mike Villa-Real, First Vice-President of Philippine Veterans Bank.
The unveiling ceremony drew a crowd of esteemed guests, including Makati Mayor Abby Binay, who expressed her admiration for the bank’s dedication to preserving history. “It’s not just about remembering the past,” Binay said. “It’s about recognizing the values that these stories instill in us—the courage, the unity, and the love for our country.”
Binay, the event’s guest of honor, touched on the importance of balancing traditional and digital banking services, particularly for the elderly who may struggle with new technologies. “It’s really more about balancing between the old and the new,” she said. “That’s the best way banks can continue to provide exceptional service to their customers.”
The event highlighted PVB’s unique role as a commercial bank owned by Filipino World War II veterans. Established in 1992, the bank was conceived as a tribute to those who fought for the country’s freedom. Over the years, it has grown to play a vital role in providing financial services to both public and private sectors, while maintaining a special connection to its roots.
PVB Chairman Roberto de Ocampo took the opportunity to reflect on the bank’s journey and its mission moving forward. In his speech, he drew a parallel between the pursuit of excellence in banking and the Olympic spirit of “going for the gold.” “In order to get the gold,” he said, “we must know every element to put into our bank at every level—bring it to perfection, bring it to the highest level that we can, and then we would have achieved the gold. Let’s do it, and let’s do it together.”
PVB officials also highlighted the bank’s strides toward digital transformation, announcing that their digital hub now boasts over 33,500 enrollees.
The centerpiece of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the History Wall, a symbolic gesture that reinforced PVB’s ongoing commitment to serving the veteran community. The wall itself provides a concise yet powerful narrative of the key battles fought in the Philippines during World War II, with a particular focus on the heroic actions of the 47th Division of the Hunter’s ROTC.
As the Philippine Veterans Bank moves forward into its next chapter, the History Wall serves as a reminder of the company’s storied past and a future rooted in the values of bravery, sacrifice, and service to the Filipino people.
