A transformational leader – this is how Gilda E. Pico is often described by colleagues at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and in the Philippine banking industry in general. She is one leader whose quiet but determined ways have transformed LANDBANK from an unassuming financial institution to become one of the leading universal banks in the country today.

Steering a unique organization like LANDBANK takes more than skills, competence and strong leadership. It also takes a solid commitment for development, a clear vision for inclusive growth and a heart for service – qualities which fittingly describe Gilda who is the first woman president, and the first in career position to be appointed as head of the institution. Her fortitude, deep concern for others and extensive knowledge seasoned by more than four decades of banking experience, had fully prepared her to take on this challenging task.

Gilda says she had always known that she would work in a bank due mainly to the influence of her father in her decision to pursue a Commerce degree from the College of the Holy Spirit where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and later became a Certified Public Accountant. What she did not foresee then was that she would someday be heading one of the country’s biggest banks.

When Gilda joined LANDBANK, it was still a relatively small bank but even then, she believed that it had a big potential for growth. She joined LANDBANK in 1981 as assistant vice president and gradually moved up to key positions until her appointment as acting President in 2005 and as full-fledged President in 2006. Today, she is regarded as one of the pillars of LANDBANK, having handled major positions from backroom to frontline operations which allow her to contribute significantly in making it the country’s premier financial institution in the countryside today. Gilda leads the Bank in striking a balance in pursuing its three business goals: pursuit of mandate, institutional viability, and customer service. Under her leadership, LANDBANK reinforced its commitment to its social mandate as reflected in the implementation of development programs for its identified priority sectors. The Bank also sustains its financial strength, achieving record net income year after year, while assets, deposits, loans, capital and financial performance ratios remain on the uptrend. Customer service also means adopting innovative approaches in delivering much- needed services; even as the Bank strives to be present where it is needed, and to be needed where it is present.

Her contributions to the success of LANDBANK can be summarized in the following:

• She has demonstrated that developmental banking can be viable and profitable. When she assumed her post as Acting President, the Bank’s loan portfolio increased from Php 143 Billion to Php 303.9 billion in 2013, while net income grew from Php 3 billion to Php 11.7 billion in 2013.
• She expanded the branch and ATM network of LANDBANK. ATMs doubled from 680 in 2005 to 1,300 to date. LANDBANK was the first commercial bank to become present in all 81 provinces of the country, providing banking services even to the remotest areas. Gilda also spearheaded the implementation of the LANDBANK Easy Access Facility which functions as an “Other Banking Office”.
• She promoted the adoption of technology solutions and IT projects to support operations, expand capacity and align technology support with global standards. LANDBANK also aggressively ventured into making transactions easier and more convenient for clients by offering responsive and innovative products through variousalternative distribution channels, such as with the LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver (LMLS) – the first paperless, fully electronic salary loan application and processing in the country which allows employees of companies with payroll account with LANDBANK to apply for loans using their mobile phones.
• She pursued concerns for the environment and quality management system. Gilda constantly keeps the institution’s banking operations at par with industry leaders and international standards i.e. by launching the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) Program and becoming an ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System/ EMS) – certified institution.