USM Receives Certificates from WURI
May 11, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and Legazpi Savings Bank, Inc. (LSB) formally sealed partnership through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 11, 2026, at the University Skyroom, Administration Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The agreement authorizes LSB, a subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), to offer financial services to qualified USM personnel, including salary loan arrangements accessible through automatic payroll deduction.
The event was held in the presence of university officials and representatives from LSB, including LSB President Mr. Jerome B. Minglana, whose attendance marked the formal ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.
During his welcome remarks, Minglana shared the history and growth of LSB. He also highlighted the bank’s major milestones, including its acquisition by Robinsons Bank in 2012, which further strengthened its operations and reach. Another significant development came on January 1, 2024, when Robinsons Bank merged with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), making LSB a wholly owned subsidiary of BPI.
Minglana emphasized the importance of the partnership with the university, saying, “Every lesson taught, every service rendered, every sacrifice made, contributes to a brighter future for the next generation. Today’s partnership is especially meaningful for us at LSB because University of Southern Mindanao is our first state university and college partner in Mindanao.”
He further noted that as LSB celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, alongside BPI’s 175th year, partnerships like this serve as a reminder of the impact of their work on communities and families.
USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, led the signing along with USM Supervising Administrative Officer for Finance Ms. Charisse Angela Quiambao, and LSB President Mr. Minglana, and the bank’s Sales Head.
In his message, Dr. Pimentel shared that LSB is the seventh banking institution to engage with the university and offer its services to the USM community. He expressed the university’s support for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to express our full support for the partnership between our university and Legazpi Savings Bank Incorporated in a collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive development.”
Aside from the ceremonial signing, LSB employees also conducted financial literacy lectures for participants, including discussions on investments and fraud awareness under the campaign #MagingListoHuwagMagpaloko.
Founded in 1976 in Legazpi City as Legazpi Savings and Loan Association, Inc., LSB began with the goal of providing reliable deposit and loan services to the community. Over the years, the bank expanded its operations across the Bicol Region and eventually established a nationwide presence.
