BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continues to strengthen its commitment to financial inclusion by empowering micro and small entrepreneurs through its NegosyoKo Loan.
Amid today’s challenging economic landscape, BanKo continues to stand alongside its clients by providing access to financial solutions and opportunities that help them grow their businesses and take a more active role in their communities and in the economy.
BanKo’s NegosyoKo Loan offers accessible and flexible financing with minimal requirements. Loan amounts range from Php 5,000 up to Php 500,000, with competitive interest rates starting at around 2.75% per month, enabling business owners to invest in inventory, expand operations, and create more livelihood opportunities within their communities.
As part of its advocacy to inspire more Filipinos to start and scale their own ventures, BanKo shares real-life success stories through its Kwentong Ngiti series, featuring entrepreneurs whose journeys reflect resilience, determination, and the impact of accessible financing.
One such story is that of Edwin and Jenny Constantino, owners of Constantino Food Product in Nagcarlan, Laguna.
Starting with only two bakers, the Constantinos transformed a small bakery into a growing enterprise through the support of BanKo’s NegosyoKo Loan. Over six years as BanKo clients, they have expanded their operations significantly—now employing nearly 45 local workers and producing around 20,000 packs of bread daily to serve not just their community but other areas, including Cavite, Quezon Province, and Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
where their small bakery has grown into a source of livelihood for their community
“Malayo na ang narating ng aming maliit na bakery mula sa simpleng simula. Sa tulong ng BanKo, unti-unti naming napalago ang aming negosyo. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa kita, kundi sa pagbibigay ng hanapbuhay sa aming kapwa sa Nagcarlan at sa pag-abot ng aming mga pangarap bilang pamilya,” shared Edwin.
Located in the municipality of Nagcarlan, Laguna, an area known for its rich agricultural heritage and tightly knit communities, the success of Constantino Food Product reflects the vital role small businesses play in driving local economic activity. By generating jobs and supporting livelihoods, enterprises like theirs contribute meaningfully to community development.
continue to grow their bakery business with the support of BanKo.
“The story of Edwin and Jenny shows what is possible when entrepreneurs are given the right support,” said Rod Mabiasen, Jr., BanKo President. “Through NegosyoKo Loan and the guidance of our BanKoMares and BanKoPares, we aim to help more small business owners turn their aspirations into sustainable success.”
Through Kwentong Ngiti, BanKo continues to highlight how accessible financing can transform lives and encourage more Filipinos to take the first step toward entrepreneurship, and prove that even the simplest beginnings can lead to lasting impact.
“We believe that every small business has the potential to grow,” said Mabiasen. “Katulad nina Edwin at Jenny, nais naming makatulong pa sa ibang mga negosyante na umasenso at mapalago ang kanilang mga negosyo, dahil dito sa BanKo, may ngiti ang bukas mo.”
Since 2016, BanKo has supported over 400,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. In 2025, it disbursed over Php 23.7 billion loans that continue to fuel grassroots enterprise and local economic development. Beyond financing, BanKo’s on-the-ground relationship managers, called BanKoMares and BanKoPares, provide guidance and support to help clients sustain and grow their businesses.
To learn more about BanKo, visit https://www.banko.com.ph/ or follow BanKo on Facebook at https://facebook.com/magbankona.
