OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair

Mr. Ledesma has 32 years of experience at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, rising to the positions of Vice President and Senior Vice President. He served as President and CEO of Dungganon Bank–Bacolod from 2012 to 2016. He is currently a part-time faculty at the University of St. La Salle–Bacolod Graduate School and has completed the Corporate Governance course for rural banks. He completed his degree in Commerce, Major in Economics, at La Salle Bacolod (later  changed to University of St. La Salle –Bacolod). 

President

Mr. Tapiador is co-founder and past Chairman of Fintech Philippines Association. He brings over 20 years of diverse leadership experience in consulting, electronic payments, rural banking, microfinance, and regulatory development. He has provided project consulting services to the Asian Development Bank, International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, and US Agency for International Development, among others. With over 1,000 rural bankers and cooperative leaders trained, he has positively impacted more than 190,000 low-income clients in the Philippines. Mr. Tapiador holds a master's degree in Entrepreneurship from the Asian Institute of Management, and earned his bachelor’s degree, major in Environmental Science, from Ateneo de Manila University. 

Former Chair of the Board

Mr. Ledesma is a man of many hats. He is the Chairman of San Juanita Multi-Cooperative (since 2005), Secretary of Dos Hermanas Multi-Cooperative (since 2008) and President of First Farmers Association (since 2009). In October 2018, he was elected as Chairman of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Cooperative for Negros and Panay islands.  

Corporate Treasurer

Ms. Garces spent 28 years of her banking career with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation where she started as a New Accounts Clerk. Her career path provided various opportunities as she was able to perform and occupy different banking functions and positions: Domestic and Foreign Remittance, Teller, Cashier, Branch Operations Head and Senior Personal Banker. Ms. Garces later went on to become the Branch Manager of RCBC Bacolod–Main with the rank of Assistant Vice President until her retirement in 2015.  

Independent Director

Ms. Lavares is recognized for her extensive experience in chairing and membership in anti-money laundering, corporate governance, real property tax, audit, and nominations committees. She also has deep industry exposure in general management and legal expertise in banking and finance, real estate, manufacturing, acquisitions and international contract negotiations, including but not limited to government agencies. Past and current directorships include MetroBank, MetrobankCard Corp., PruLife UK Phils., Inter–Asia Development Bank, Williamton Finance Co. and AHL Consultancy Management, Inc.

Independent Director

Ms. Lipana’s professional experience include a 40-year career with Isla Lipana & Co./PriceWaterhouse Coopers Philippines (formerly Joaquin Cunanan & Co.) where she started as a Junior Auditor and later on the company’s Chairman and Senior Partner until her exit in 2009. Her past and current directorships include Philippine Guarantee Corporation (formerly PhilEXIM), Inter–Asia Development Bank, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc., JC Property Holdings, Inc., Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, SM Investments Corporation and Institute of Corporate Directors to name a few. 

Independent Director

Mr. Aquino has over 40 years of diverse leadership experience in the technology, finance, and consulting industries. He brings a wealth of knowledge in managing transformation programs, specializing in vendor selection and negotiations for application and service outsourcing. He is currently a Principal for Aquino Consulting Associates Inc., President and Director for Caronele Development Corporation, Vice President and Director for Romnelcar Development, and Consultant for the Asian Development Bank. Mr. Aquino holds a master's degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor's degree, major in Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University.