By James Murillo Elaco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — China Bank Savings (CBS) has strengthened its support for Filipino teachers by allocating ₱15 million for the 2026 National Teachers’ Month celebration while continuing financial education and digital services for educators.
The initiatives were discussed during the National Teachers’ Month Kick-Off and China Bank Savings gathering held on September 5, 2026, at the Function Hall of CDO Limketkai Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
CBS President James Christian T. Dee and First Vice President Niel C. Jumawan discussed the bank’s partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), responsible lending, financial wellness programs and efforts to make services more accessible to teachers.
CBS has been working with DepEd for more than a decade through the Automatic Payroll Deduction (APD) program, which allows teaching and non-teaching personnel to access financial services.
“We’ve been partners with the Department of Education for more than 10 years now,” Dee said.
The partnership, however, goes beyond providing loans.
CBS said it also conducts financial wellness programs and loan education activities to help teachers better understand borrowing and managing their finances.
“We believe that access to credit must come with understanding, and access to credit must come with responsibility,” Jumawan said.
Teachers applying for loans are required to undergo loan education before their applications are approved, according to CBS.
The bank also conducts financial wellness programs in different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The issue of teacher debt was also discussed, particularly concerns about borrowers taking multiple loans.
Dee said CBS assesses a teacher’s financial capacity and existing obligations before approving a loan.
“We only lend based on your capacity to pay,” Dee said.
CBS officials said the bank considers a borrower’s ability to repay before deciding the amount that can be approved.
Under the APD system, financial institutions must also follow the requirements and safeguards established by DepEd.
The officials said borrowers who encounter difficulty in paying their loans may be given repayment arrangements or restructuring options.
CBS also discussed the extension of loan repayment terms from five years to up to seven years.
According to the bank, the longer payment period can reduce a borrower’s monthly payment for the same loan amount.
However, CBS emphasized that responsible borrowing remains important.
The bank also introduced the APD Smart App, a digital system that allows authorized CBS account officers to assist teachers with loan applications outside traditional bank branches.
The system is expected to help teachers assigned to remote areas by allowing CBS personnel to provide assistance in schools and other locations.
CBS said it is continuing to expand its services in Mindanao through physical branches and digital banking.
Meanwhile, the bank’s ₱15-million support for the 2026 National Teachers’ Month celebration will fund activities, prizes and other initiatives in partnership with DepEd.
CBS also participates in Brigada Eskwela, supporting school maintenance and preparations for the opening of classes.
The bank said its initiatives aim to support teachers not only through financial services but also through programs that promote responsible financial decisions.
As the country celebrates National Teachers’ Month, CBS officials said financial education remains an important part of helping educators manage their financial responsibilities. (JME/MDN)
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