65 Years of RCBC: A Story of Trust, Progress, and Purpose
Sixty-five years is a long time in banking. Over those decades, the world has changed, economies have shifted, and technology has redefined how people live and work. Yet through it all, RCBC has stayed true to one thing: being a bank Filipinos can trust.
RCBC has stood beside generations of Filipinos, financing homes, businesses, and big projects that helped shape the country’s growth. From toll roads and bridges to clean energy and digital infrastructure, RCBC has played its part in building the Philippines’ progress story.
This year, as the bank marks its 65th anniversary, it isn’t just celebrating a milestone. It’s looking back at the trust that built its foundation and forward to a future driven by purpose and sustainability.
Built on Trust
“Our most important asset will always be trust,” says RCBC President and CEO Reggie B. Cariaso. “It’s the foundational principle for all banks. For 65 years, RCBC has earned the confidence and trust of millions of Filipinos by standing with them through challenges and triumphs.”
That trust guided RCBC through economic ups and downs, technological shifts, and changing customer needs. It has shaped how the bank makes decisions, from the projects it finances to the innovations it introduces. It is the trust that allows RCBC to turn bold ambitions into concrete progress.
For Filipinos, banking is deeply personal. It’s where hard work meets hope. RCBC understands this. That’s why the bank continues to build relationships that go beyond transactions. It’s a partner that grows with you, whether you’re starting a business, building a home, or planning for the future.
Driving Growth Through Infrastructure
RCBC has long believed that strong infrastructure leads to a stronger nation. Over the years, the bank has financed more than 100 kilometers of toll roads and bridges, connecting provinces, easing transport, and supporting trade. These projects make a significant difference in people’s lives, cutting travel time, opening job opportunities, and linking communities.
But infrastructure today isn’t just about concrete and steel. It’s also about digital connectivity. Recognizing the vital role technology plays in the economy, RCBC has expanded its focus to digital infrastructure, helping fund data centers and telecommunications towers. These projects are essential to the country’s digital transformation and form the backbone of everything from online education to e-commerce to remote work. When the pandemic forced much of life online, the value of these investments became clear. RCBC’s support for the country’s digital ecosystem ensures that growth continues even in challenging times.
A Commitment to Clean Energy
RCBC made a bold move when it became the first local bank to stop funding coal power projects. It was a clear signal of what kind of progress the bank wanted to stand for—one that balances development with responsibility. Instead of coal, RCBC turned its focus to renewable energy, supporting large-scale solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects across the country. To date, the bank has financed more than 3 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy and has another 3 GW in the pipeline. These projects power communities while reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the Philippines’ and the world’s broader sustainability goals.
Sustainable Finance in Action
RCBC’s push for sustainability extends beyond energy. Since 2019, the bank has raised more than USD 1 billion and PHP 64 billion through sustainability bonds. These funds have helped finance over 19,000 sustainable projects, ranging from green buildings to social enterprises that uplift local communities. In 2025 alone, RCBC raised USD 350 million in offshore markets and PHP 12.2 billion locally. Investors responded positively, a reflection of their confidence not only in the bank’s stability but also in its vision for the future.
“RCBC remains committed to delivering value to our customers and our country through innovative financial products and solutions,” Cariaso says. “We channel capital into sectors that support sustainable growth and create lasting value for the communities they serve.”
Each project funded through these programs tells a story of shared progress, a farmer gaining access to renewable energy, a community benefiting from cleaner air, or a business expanding responsibly.
Partnering for National Development
RCBC’s partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is another example of how the bank links business growth with national priorities. The collaboration aims to attract more global investors to the Philippines, positioning the country as a competitive and stable destination for companies looking to expand or relocate operations. Through this partnership, RCBC provides tailored financial solutions to companies in economic zones, helping them manage operations, fund expansions, and create jobs. It’s a partnership that reinforces the country’s role in regional trade while supporting local industries that drive long-term growth.
Looking Ahead: Purpose and Progress
For 65 years, RCBC has proven that trust and progress can go hand in hand. As it looks ahead, the bank continues to focus on what matters most: helping Filipinos grow, prosper, and build a better future together. However, this milestone is only a checkpoint in a much longer journey.
“Our journey is far from over,” says Cariaso. “By aligning our strategies with national priorities and global sustainability standards, we are committed to driving progress that is inclusive, responsible, and built for the long term.”
That vision reflects RCBC’s belief that banking must evolve alongside society. Today, progress means being digital, sustainable, and inclusive. It means providing financial access to those who’ve been left out, supporting businesses that care for the planet, and investing in innovation that benefits everyone.
RCBC’s story is about nation-building in the truest sense—financing growth that creates jobs, improves lives, and strengthens communities. Every bridge, every wind farm, every data center the bank supports is a step toward a better, more connected Philippines.
If you’re looking for a financial partner that believes in purpose-driven progress, now is the time to take a closer look. Get in touch with us today.
