UnionBank building innovation campus in Laguna

Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines broke ground on Wednesday for a one-hectare innovation campus in San Pedro, Laguna, designed to be the bank’s epicenter for the creation and incubation of solutions that will benefit banking, financial technology and other industries.

The UnionBank Innovation Campus, the first of its kind in the Philippine banking space, is expected to be completed by the middle or third quarter of next year. It is seen to be the hub for blockchain, artificial intelligence and other new technologies that will revolutionize people’s way of life.

This real estate development aims to bring under one roof a valuable talent pool that will fuel innovation initiatives. It is envisioned to be the hub not only for highly talented individuals who will help the bank in creating solutions toward a fully digital future but will also be the home to “some of the best educators and mentors who will help mentees unlock their full potential as solutions thinkers.”

UnionBank invested in the hub after drawing inspiration from overseas.

“We’re excited for the campus because it’s a dream come true for the entire organization and it’s also a testament to the commitment of management and the board of directors to innovation as a major strategic thrust. This is also consistent with the Aboitiz group’s focus on innovation as a pillar for growth moving forward,” UnionBank president Edwin Bautista said during the virtual groundbreaking ceremony.The bank’s investment in the campus is likewise an affirmation that even during these difficult times, there are companies that continue to invest, according to Bautista.

Despite the current lockdown restrictions, Bautista said the bank was starting to build the campus for the future when it would be safe again to interact with more people. —DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA