In keeping with its commitment to be more accessible to its clients, China Banking Corporation (China Bank) recently opened a new branch in SM’s newest mall, SM City Taytay, and another one in the newly-renovated SM City Pampanga. With the opening of these two new China Bank mall branches, the Bank now has 186 branches to date, 13 of which are located in the biggest malls nationwide.

The China Bank SM City Taytay Branch is at the ground floor, near SM Hypermarket. SM Taytay is the newest shopping destination East of Manila and SM’s first mall in the province of Rizal. The over 91,000-square meter mall, located right along the Manila East Road in Brgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal, opened last November, 2007.  The branch head of China Bank SM City Taytay, Godofredro B. Ponciano, said that the branch has a big growth potential as Rizal has been growing tremendously over the years. “We are happy to be here to provide a wide range of world-class banking services to the residents and businesses in Taytay. This branch is China Bank’s third in Rizal but the first in a mall here,” said Ponciano.

China Bank’s third branch in Pampanga, SM City Pampanga Branch, is located at the ground floor of the very first SM Supermall in Central Luzon, SM Pampanga, now the longest and biggest mall in the region after the completion of the new annex building last October 2007.  China Bank’s branch there is its second mall-based branch in Pampanga.  Like SM City Pampanga which was renovated and expanded to serve more clients, China Bank also expanded its reach there to “support the bustling city’s economic growth and the businesses that the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport will bring as the Philippines’ future premier gateway,” said Rosario D. Yabut, branch head.

“China Bank recognizes the economic potential of Eastern Manila. With its proximity to Metro Manila, accessibility through major roads and highways, and emergence of upper and middle class villages in the area, we see there a very vibrant business environment,” said Samuel L. Chiong, senior vice president and branch banking deputy group head.

Both SM City Taytay and SM City Pampanga Branches follow the new modern and stylish look of China Bank Branches that was launched along with the Bank’s three-year expansion plan that kicked off in 2006. For 2008, China Bank is planning to open 50 new branches.