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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Cebuana Lhuillier) |
For many Filipinos, saving money can often feel like an uphill battle — especially when everyday expenses demand immediate attention. But Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CLB) believes that every Ipon Moves — no matter how small, can lead to lasting change and help Filipinos turn their dreams into reality. In observance of World Savings Day 2025, CLB joins the global celebration of financial empowerment through its nationwide campaign titled “Ipon Moves This IPON MOnth”, an inspiring call for Filipinos to make saving a daily habit. Through this initiative, the bank continues its mission to make financial inclusion accessible to all and to empower every Ka-Cebuana to take control of their financial future.
“Ipon Moves” underscores the power of consistent saving and how even the smallest effort can lead to greater stability and success. Through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, clients gain an easy, secure, and reliable way to manage their funds and plan ahead. Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, which offers this service, is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1,000,000 per depositor. “Our goal has always been to make financial services accessible to every Filipino, especially those who have limited access to traditional banking. Through Micro Savings and initiatives like Ipon Moves, we aim to nurture a culture of saving that empowers families to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. This year, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank also took its “Ipon Moves” campaign on the road — visiting various Cebuana Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank branches across the country to celebrate the inspiring spirit of saving among Filipinos. As part of the activity, the CL Bank set up a “Wish IPON A Dream” Wall, where clients were invited to post their personal dreams and motivations for saving. Each note reflected a story of hope, perseverance, and love — proof that every Filipino’s ipon has a deeper purpose.
Among those who shared their goals on the Wish IPON A Dream Wall was Rossini Abriola, a 63-year-old mother from Las Piñas City, who has shown how saving can be an act of perseverance and love. Her goal was simple yet profound — to see her son graduate. Through small, consistent deposits, she has been able to support his studies by setting aside part of her savings for his daily allowance. She continues to save diligently, hoping to one day buy him a laptop that will help him in his schooling. “Ang pag-iipon ang nagturo sa’kin ng tiyaga at pananampalataya,” Rossini said. “Hindi madali, pero gusto kong ipakita sa anak ko na kayang abutin ang pangarap basta’t nagsusumikap. Bawat pisong naiipon ko, para sa kanya talaga,” said Rossini. From Laguna, Arnel Peralta, a 52-year-old single father and person with disability, has turned his ipon into a promise of hope. Despite his health challenges, Arnel faithfully saves through his Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account, determined to open a small sari-sari store that will help support his two children. He shared, “Hindi madali mag-ipon lalo na kapag araw-araw may kailangang gastusan. Pero kapag naiisip ko ang mga anak ko, lalo na’t mga bata pa at nag-aaral, sa kanila ako kumukuha ng inspirasyon. Kahit maliit lang ang naitatabi ko, basta tuloy-tuloy, makakarating din sa pangarap.”
In Cebu, Rizchel Canillo, a 48-year-old single mother of four, shows how saving can keep dreams alive even in tough times. Working as an e-bike driver, she sets aside ₱50 from her daily earnings to save for a new e-bike battery. When her wish finally came true, she felt deep relief, knowing she no longer had to rent one just to continue earning for her family. Rizchel shared, “Patuloy pa rin akong nag-iipon kahit natupad na ang isa sa mga pangarap ko. Minsan na ring nakatulong ang ipon ko noong kinailangan ng nanay ko ng tulong sa pagpapagamot. Kaya para sa’kin, ang ipon laging may silbi, lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan.” Down south, Maria Robilyn Sabanto, a 26-year-old breadwinner from Cagayan de Oro, sees saving as her way of giving back. Working at a service center, she sets aside a portion of her salary to buy her 69-year-old father a mountain bike — a symbol of gratitude and care for the man who raised her. “Para sa’kin, ang pag-iipon hindi lang tungkol sa pera, kundi tungkol sa pagmamahal at responsibilidad. Nag-iipon ako kasi gusto kong maibalik kahit papaano ang lahat ng ginawa ng tatay ko para sa’kin. Sa pag-iipon, nagkakaroon ako ng paraan para maipakita kung gaano ko siya pinahahalagahan,” said Robilyn.
Because of their determination to save and their touching stories of hope, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, through its “Ipon Moves” campaign, surprised them by granting the dreams they had shared on the Wish IPON A Dream Wall. Rossini received a brand-new laptop for her son’s studies, helping her continue to support his education. Arnel was given grocery packages to help him start his long-awaited sari-sari store. Rizchel was granted a new e-bike battery, easing her daily struggles and allowing her to earn more for her family. And Robilyn received a mountain bike for her father — a heartfelt token of gratitude for the man who inspired her to keep saving. Through their stories, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank reminds every Filipino that saving is more than a financial act — it’s a declaration of hope, discipline, and love for the people who matter most. Every Ipon Move — no matter how small — brings Filipinos closer to the life they dream of and the future they deserve.
