In a bold move to cement its position as the country’s digital trailblazer, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) officially held the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for its much-anticipated Innovation Campus last May 26. The facility, set to rise on a one-hectare property in San Pedro, Laguna, signals another milestone in the Bank’s digital transformation journey—a journey it began five years ago and continues to champion today.
A Hub for Future-Ready Banking
The UnionBank Innovation Campus will serve as a research and development hub that strengthens the Bank’s digital capabilities. Once completed, it will house state-of-the-art facilities such as the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, UnionBank’s Blockchain Institute, its digital bank EON, and the Asian Institute of Digital Transformation (AIDT), which was recently launched in partnership with Global Learning Solutions Singapore.
UnionBank President and CEO Edwin Bautista described the project as “a dream come true” and emphasized that it reflects the Board’s unwavering commitment to innovation. He added that San Pedro, Laguna, could soon become a mini tech hub for AI, blockchain, and advanced digital solutions, making it a central player in the Philippines’ digital future.
Driving Inclusive Growth Through Technology
The event also highlighted the role of UnionBank’s partners. Eugenio Ynion, President of Yngen Holdings, praised the project as proof of UnionBank’s digital leadership and said the campus will be a cornerstone of the upcoming San Antonio Digital Hub. This, he explained, demonstrates the Bank’s commitment not only to innovation but also to uplifting Filipino communities.
Government leaders also lauded the project. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno commended UnionBank for investing in Filipino talent at a time when the nation is pushing to “build back better” after the pandemic. Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez described the Campus as a breeding ground for ideas that will keep the Philippines competitive in the digital economy. He emphasized UnionBank’s strong role in supporting financial inclusion, from helping the Social Security System and Bureau of Treasury digitize transactions to ensuring overseas Filipinos can participate in government bond offerings despite pandemic restrictions.
A Landmark for Philippine Innovation
UnionBank Vice Chairman Dr. Justo A. Ortiz closed the ceremony with gratitude, underscoring that the Campus is not just a structure but a symbol of collaboration. He reiterated the Bank’s greater mission: co-creating a better Philippines through innovation. “Together, let us Tech Up Pilipinas!” he said.
For ordinary Filipinos, UnionBank’s Innovation Campus is more than just a corporate project—it’s a step toward building a digital-native future where banking, commerce, and government services are easier, faster, and more inclusive. With this investment, UnionBank shows that even during challenging times, companies can lead with vision and create opportunities for future generations of tech-driven Pinoys.