Changing conditions and situations require a complementary response. Thanks to COVID, I acknowledge with a grateful heart and with pride this unique plaque of appreciation from the board on behalf of the CSB family in the comfort of our lanai. In my 71 years of working as a professional for three organizations receiving and awarding plaques… This plaque is the first of its kind I have ever seen. I thank those who came up with the words that have touched my very marrow. Truth be told, I should thank CSB for giving me the pleasure and opportunity to embark on a completely new line of work after my retirement from AEV. Decades ago I had refused the kind offer of Mr. Eduardo J. Aboitiz to join the board of advisors of the newly organized IBAA [Insular Bank of Asia and America], after attending one boring session…. I had a good excuse… My plate was overflowing and banking was of little interest. Enough having to negotiate with them!!!! Haha
But small CSB was different. And maybe because I had the time to learn; get involved given the latitude by the CEO. And not confine myself to attending meetings and waiting for things to happen….. I found some excitement in my new role. I had great mentors…. From the Chairman, Pres. Lino, the team leaders, and the wonderful staff of Audit.
Bimonthly meetings with the staff and at least once a year meeting with all the auditors in attendance gave me an education you won’t get in school. Visits to the different regions to conduct sessions explaining our advocacies and listening to their comments with the ROH, branch, and marketing mgrs led to the decision to create an audit portal,, led by Anna Gatbonton; it was totally designed in house. This was badly needed by the field if they were to be effective. Result… The only audit portal in the AEV universe. BSP examiners in an exit interview questioned the portal; as it gave the auditees the opportunity of what to expect during the audit visit…. Haha… Precisely the reason why the portal…. As it was a teaching tool, an easy access to a solution rather than search for references in volumes of circulars. The operations staff also helped in its creation. Auditors were trained to be mentors as well and not just to find deficiencies. The greatest compliment …. Were comments in the auditees feedback sheet…. “audits should be more frequent”. Haha. Unheard of. Same for the Compliance Team…..saddled with voluminous regulations, a compliance portal was likewise created by the very lean team headed by Atty. Candy Seguerra; whose compliance testing procedures were commended by both UBP and BSP.
To conclude; if this was work – bring it in. It was fun. I had found a new home where hot coffee was always available served with a smile. The CSB family has grown beyond what I ever envisioned. I pray and hope that it retains its legacy of being what we are…. Different from all the rest because we are not just a bank,,, we are family.
If at all printed for circulation, apologies for any grammatical errors or syntax…..spelling will surely be ok haha; I don’t want to read what I wrote for fear of changing my feelings at the moment,,,,, also that large tray of goodies was a gift from the staff on Valentine’s Day, it was touching. As the saying goes… All good things come to an end……but I have been given assurances that hot coffee will always be available if I visit.
God bless you all.
(The following is the text citation written in RSR’s Plaque of Appreciation which beautifully captured his significant contributions to City Savings Bank)
RESOLUTION OF THANKS TO AND APPRECIATION
FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR ROMAN STRANO RONQUILLO
WHEREAS, ROMAN STRANO RONQUILLO (“Director Romy”) served as an Independent Director of CITY SAVINGS BANK, INC. (the “Bank”) since 2011;
WHEREAS, Director Romy’s cumulative term as Independent Director was deemed ended by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on January 1, 2021;
WHEREAS, Director Romy has been an invaluable counselor to the Board of Directors, the management, and employees of the Bank, serving in various leadership capacities, the last of which was as Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Corporate Governance Committee;
WHEREAS, all throughout his tenure as Independent Director, Director Romy distinguished himself as a paragon of courageous authenticity –
● reputed as one who took the term “independent” literally and seriously in carrying out his functions;
● unabashed when speaking up and speaking out;
● unafraid and unapologetic when pointing out what was wrong with matters brought before him, firmly believing in the difference between doing things the right way and doing the right thing;
● frank and candid in giving critiques when and where necessary; and
● profuse in heaping praise and commendation as and when deserved.
WHEREAS, Director Romy was ever generous in sharing with the Board of Directors, the management, and employees of the Bank his knowledge and expertise acquired through and honed by his previous professional experience as a leader in many companies and enterprises engaged in a variety of businesses and concerns;
WHEREAS, Director Romy, with his keen sense of and valuable gift for coaching and mentoring, can undeniably be credited for helping mold many of the past and present leaders of the Bank;
WHEREAS, Director Romy has always been a staunch advocate and avid supporter of corporate social responsibility and initiatives of the Bank;
WHEREAS, Director Romy’s passion for his work is matched, if not surpassed, by his love for the people he works for and with;
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Bank hereby expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Director Romy for his service on the Board of Directors, for his sound business advice and valued counsel, and for all his contributions to the Bank, its Board of Directors, its management, and its employees;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Board of Directors wishes Director Romy continued success in all his endeavors and expresses its well wishes for his continued health, happiness, and prosperity; and
RESOLVED FINALLY, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Director Romy as a token of our thanks, appreciation, and respect.
