#OneWithU: A Union of Two Great Banks
Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines officially welcomed over 1,700 new UnionBankers who have joined them after their acquisition of Citibank’s Consumer Business Banking in the Philippines. August 1, 2022 marks the first official day when UnionBank and Citi Consumer Business are considered one entity in the eyes of our regulators, stakeholders, customers, and employees.
In a welcome event dubbed ‘#OneWithU’, over 6000 UnionBankers participated in a multi-location celebration at the Citibank Square in Eastwood; acquired Citibank branches in Greenhills, Makati, and Cebu; UnionBank Plaza and over 300 branches of UnionBank and its subsidiaries. The main event at Citibank Square was streamed through a live broadcast on YouTube.
UnionBank President and CEO, Edwin R. Bautista, delivered his welcome speech, sharing his own experiences as a former Citibank executive who moved to UnionBank. He declared a commitment to always provide Citi customers with the best customer experience and deliver the best value, “Thank you, Citibank, for entrusting your legacy to us. Both old and new UnionBankers here today commit that we will not fail you. Your legacy shall live on.”
The event also showcased the donning of the UBP jacket to the new UnionBank Head of Consumer Banking, Manoj Varma. This was a symbolic and meaningful gesture welcoming Varma and his team to UnionBank.
Varma also delivered an acceptance speech where he recounted the fifteen months of negotiation and transition period, which further proved how very similar the two banks are and how UnionBank was likely the best choice among the bidders. He added, “Thank you for finding a home for us—it’s a home which allows us to live the same values and culture we’ve all grown up with.”
UnionBank’s Vice Chairman, Dr. Justo A. Ortiz shared his closing message on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Aboitiz Group. He also led the celebratory toast, likening this historic milestone to a “Big Bang for two great institutions with awesome people coming together to make new friendships, renew old ones, and create new opportunities and a new exciting future not only for us but more importantly for our customers and the communities we serve. So, please make yourselves at home–not cubs but roaring lions–an Ubuntu welcome. Together as one, let us go on this adventure to create and build a retail bank of enduring greatness. Cheers!”
Months of hard work, communication, and collaboration all led to this smooth transition. The stronger UnionBank Team ensures that its millions of customers are taken care of, assuring them of seamless continuity and upholding the legacy that Citi has built for over 100 years in the Philippines.
