Sterling Bank of Asia, Philippine Guarantee Corporation Partner to Expand Home Financing

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee) have officially sealed their partnership, marking the launch of a ₱5-billion Housing Retail Guarantee Facility. This collaboration combines the strengths of the public and private sector to broaden home financing access for Filipino families.

A Strategic Vision for Greater Access

PhilGuarantee President and CEO Alberto E. Pascual and SBA President and CEO Cecilio Paul San Pedro led the signing ceremony, highlighting institutional synergy and a shared vision for community impact.

“In banking, partnerships matter. No single institution can address every challenge on its own. But when organizations with complementary mandates come together, the decisions made in boardrooms can create opportunities that reach far beyond our institutions — and into the communities we ultimately serve,” said Mr. San Pedro.

From left to right: Teresito Cayo A. Butardo (SVP & Housing Guarantee Group Head, PhilGuarantee);
Alberto E. Pascual (President & CEO, PhilGuarantee); Cecilio Paul San Pedro (President & CEO, Sterling Bank of Asia); and Candice P. Quianzon (SVP & Head of Real Estate Loans 1, Sterling Bank of Asia)

Enabling Responsible and Inclusive Lending

The Housing Retail Guarantee Facility serves as a vital credit risk mitigation tool. By providing this mechanism, PhilGuarantee enables SBA to extend housing loans with greater confidence. It also balances inclusive lending with sound risk management.ent.

San Pedro said the facility reinforces the bank’s mission to support Filipino aspirations. It also promotes prudent, sustainable lending focused on long-term economic development. “We are not merely financing properties. We are helping build stronger communities and contributing to the long-term development of our economy,” he added.

Beyond Banking: Building Futures

For SBA, home financing is rooted in the fundamental Filipino value of stability. The partnership recognizes that a home is a foundation for family growth and dignity.

“A home is not simply a physical structure. It is where families grow, where values are nurtured, and where the future of each family member quietly takes shape,” San Pedro shared.

Creating Shared Opportunity

The collaboration signals a shift in how institutions pursue growth through risk management and shared opportunities.

Both institutions are operating under the regulatory framework of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. They reaffirm their commitment to responsible financing, sound governance, and inclusive economic progress.

As the ₱5-billion facility takes effect, SBA and PhilGuarantee remain committed to opening doors for Filipino families, providing the security and hope that come with homeownership. “When a family receives the keys to a home, it is more than the opening of a door. It is the beginning of a new chapter of security and hope.” San Pedro concluded.