BIZ BUZZ: RCBC enters new era
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) woke up to a new era on Tuesday.
And it’s not just any other season. The Yuchengco-led bank just welcomed its new director, president and CEO, Reginaldo “Reggie” Cariaso, another seasoned banker with nearly three decades on his resume.
“Our focus is clear. We will build more seamless connections to deliver relevant, timely and intuitive financial solutions,” Cariaso said in a statement on Tuesday, promising a future of innovation for RCBC.
“Our job is to integrate channels, data and teams more effectively in order to deliver not just better products, but better outcomes,” he added.
It’s clear to all of us where Cariaso is headed.
As for his predecessor, Eugene Acevedo, he’s not retiring entirely, as he said. In fact, he’s going to continue “living life to the fullest.”
“This transition marks not an end, but an evolution. I look forward to dedicating more time to my lifelong passions,” Acevedo said in a Facebook post.
The lifelong passions include completing his doctorate studies on digital transformation and organizational change, launching his third book, and, just like the rest of us, enjoying the “quiet wisdom” of his cats.
A truly relaxing era for the guy who began leading RCBC in the aftermath of the controversial Bangladesh Bank heist.
Who knows? Maybe he’ll also reach his goal of 100,000 LinkedIn followers.
“Here’s to staying in motion—with purpose, curiosity and gratitude,” Acevedo said. —Meg J. Adonis
MVP gains appetite for more dairy
It seems that tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is eyeing another dairy farm up north to strengthen his group’s presence in the local dairy scene.
The potential location? Somewhere in Luzon. And when asked if this is located in Nueva Ecija province, Pangilinan responded, “Something like that. Spot on.”
Pangilinan has yet to disclose the possible acquisition deal but did say Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV), a subsidiary of conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is looking at carabao milk.
“They’re looking at the situation involving carabaos. Carabao’s milk tastes better, right? It’s creamier so you will die young,” he told reporters.
Beyond that, the tycoon was mum on the details of the planned acquisition, such as the timeline and the value of the deal.
Currently, MPAV holds a 51-percent stake in The Laguna Creamery Inc., which makes the popular Carmen’s Best ice cream brand and Holly’s Milk. It also partnered with Israel-based LR Group to build a dairy facility in Bay town in Laguna.
While the company is working on sealing the deal, Pangilinan has a friendly reminder for all Filipinos: inom kayo ng gatas ha (drink your milk, okay?). —Jordeene B. Lagare
UN nod secured for digital progress
The government’s push for digitalization hasn’t been in vain, as the Philippines has received global recognition for its digital governance.
Out of 193 countries, the Philippines was one of 12 nations that earned the United Nations’ E-Government Award at the 2025 UN Public Service Forum in Uzbekistan.
This is all thanks to the “successful” launch of key digital platforms, allowing the country to “significantly advance” in its digital dreams, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
It cited the eGov PH mobile application, dubbed a “superapp”, as it integrates more than a thousand government systems. The DICT likewise highlighted the launch of the Digital National ID, with more than 88 million Filipinos registered.—Lisbet K. Esmael INQ
