THE CENTER for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc. (CARD) SME Bank recently opened a branch in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, its 27th nationwide, with three more lined up for opening in the next two months. In a statement sent to BusinessWorld, the thrift bank, intended mainly to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs), said the three are in Tanauan, Batangas; Trece Martires, Cavite, and Manaoag, Pangasinan. CARD SME Bank said Panabo City “is one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao,” recognized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry this year as the most business-friendly local government unit. “We believe that there are a lot of SMEs in Panabo whom we can help grow their business,” the bank said. The Panabo branch is the fourth in Mindanao and more areas in the southern island are under consideration. The three other existing branches are located in the cities of General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga. CARD SME Bank, a part of the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions group, provides loans along with technical assistance for business expansion. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR