When Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CL Bank) launched its flagship program Iponventure in 2024, the goal was simple yet ambitious: to make saving second nature for every Filipino, no matter their income level. Just a year later, that vision has caught the world’s attention. At the 2025 Globee Awards, Iponventure Program, spearheaded by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank – a subsidiary of PJ Lhuillier Inc., – was named Best CSR Initiative, a recognition that shines a spotlight on the bank’s innovative approach to financial inclusion.
At the center of Iponventure are tools that may seem modest but have sparked remarkable change. The IPONBOX, a physical savings container handed out to more than 700,000 households, became a tangible reminder that every peso saved counts. Meanwhile, the Micro Savings Account, which requires only ₱50 to open, broke down barriers that had long kept underserved Filipinos out of the formal banking system. Together, these two simple tools became stepping stones to financial empowerment.
But Iponventure is more than just products—it is a movement. Large-scale activities like the Jumbo Travelling IPONBOX brought the savings habit into communities in festive, engaging ways. Campaigns such as Cebuana Lhuillier Savings Day, reward programs, surprise branch activations, and partnerships with financial influencers extended its impact nationwide. Even CL Bank employees got involved, driving grassroots initiatives that made saving relatable and fun.
The results have been transformative. By the end of 2024, Iponventure exceeded its targets with more than 1.1 million Micro Savings Accounts opened. IPONBOX users demonstrated improved saving behaviors, reflected in higher average balances. These milestones are not just numbers—they represent families building cushions for emergencies, individuals taking the first steps toward their dreams, and communities learning that financial stability can be achieved through small, consistent actions.
Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, sees the recognition as both validation and motivation. “This award is a testament to our mission of nurturing a culture of saving among Filipinos,” he said. “Through Iponventure, we empower individuals and communities to take charge of their finances and secure their futures.”
The Globee® Awards, also known as the Golden Bridge Awards®, honor organizations worldwide that bring measurable innovation and impact. For CL Bank, the award underscores a deeper truth: Iponventure is not just corporate social responsibility. It is proof that banking, when designed with purpose, can drive lasting social change.
