Category: Business Mirror

Fifty years ago, BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) began as a modest savings bank. Today, it serves millions of Filipinos, supports businesses across industries, and stands as the country’s largest banking institution by assets. Its transformation over the past five decades tells a story not only of corporate growth but also of the evolution of Philippine banking and the aspirations of generations of Filipino families and entrepreneurs.

As BDO marks its 50th anniversary, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on a journey shaped by strategic expansion, changing customer needs, and a commitment to making financial services more accessible to Filipinos wherever they are.

The institution traces its roots to Acme Savings Bank, established in 1967. A defining moment came in 1976 when it became part of the SM Group, laying the foundation for a growth strategy that would combine disciplined expansion, customer-centric services, and long-term investments in banking infrastructure.

Over the years, BDO pursued a series of acquisitions that broadened its capabilities and accelerated its growth. These included Banco Santander Philippines, Dao Heng Bank Philippines, GE Money Bank, Citibank Savings, Real Bank, and the consumer banking business of UOB Philippines. The Bank also completed its landmark merger with Equitable PCI Bank, one of the largest banking consolidations in Philippine banking history.

But BDO’s rise was never solely about acquiring scale.

Each transaction brought new capabilities, expanded access to customers, and strengthened the Bank’s ability to serve different segments of the market. At the same time, BDO continued to invest heavily in its own operations, steadily growing its lending portfolio, deposit base, distribution network, and suite of financial services.

The result is a banking franchise that today touches nearly every part of the Philippine economy.

From helping entrepreneurs launch small businesses to providing capital for major infrastructure and corporate projects, BDO has become a financial partner to individuals, families, enterprises, and institutions at different stages of their growth. Its services now span consumer and corporate banking, transaction banking, trust and investments, private banking, insurance, leasing and finance, securities brokerage, and investment banking.

Beyond traditional banking, BDO has also played an important role in helping connect Filipino families across borders. Through its remittance network and overseas presence, the Bank has enabled millions of overseas Filipinos to send money home conveniently and securely, supporting household expenses, education, healthcare, housing, and small businesses. For many families, these remittances represent not just financial transactions but opportunities for a better future.

This diversified model has enabled the Bank to evolve alongside its customers. As financial needs became more sophisticated, BDO expanded beyond traditional lending and deposit-taking, building businesses in wealth management, insurance, remittance services, and capital markets advisory. These operations have helped create a more resilient organization while offering customers a broader range of financial solutions under one roof. The Bank’s scale today reflects decades of sustained growth.

As of June 2026, BDO held total assets of P5.90 trillion, gross customer loans of P3.93 trillion, and deposits of P4.57 trillion. It ranked first among Philippine banks in terms of total assets, customer loans, deposits, and assets under management based on published statements of condition.

Those figures represent more than balance-sheet strength. They reflect the trust placed by millions of customers who have relied on the institution to save, invest, borrow, build businesses, purchase homes, and achieve personal financial goals through the years.

The Bank’s extensive physical footprint has also played a key role in its growth story. Currently, BDO operates over 2,000 branches and offices, including branch-lite units, supported by more than 7,900 automated teller machines nationwide. Beyond the Philippines, it maintains 13 international remittance offices, and two branches in Hong Kong and Singapore, respectively, to serve overseas Filipinos and corporate clients in key markets across Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

These international offices reflect the Bank’s long-standing relationship with the global Filipino community. For decades, BDO has helped overseas Filipino workers stay financially connected to their loved ones back home, providing remittance and banking services that have enabled families to save, invest, build homes, finance education, and pursue long-term financial goals.

For many Filipinos, especially in communities where access to financial services remains vital, the branch network continues to provide an important connection to the banking system. At the same time, BDO has expanded its digital capabilities, allowing customers to bank anytime and anywhere as technology reshapes the way financial services are delivered.

The ability to balance physical reach with digital innovation has become one of the defining characteristics of modern banking. For BDO, it reflects an approach that recognizes customers increasingly expect both convenience and accessibility.

Looking back, BDO’s journey mirrors many of the changes that have shaped the Philippine economy over the past five decades. It has navigated periods of economic expansion, market volatility, technological disruption, and shifting consumer behavior while continuing to broaden its services and strengthen its position within the industry.

Its strategy of combining acquisitions, business diversification, and continuous investment in infrastructure and technology has enabled it to adapt to different economic cycles and pursue growth through multiple channels. Rather than depending on a single business line, BDO has built a franchise that draws strength from its breadth, scale, and ability to serve a wide range of customer needs.

Reaching 50 years is a rare achievement in any industry. For BDO, the milestone serves both as a celebration of how far it has come and as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with serving millions of customers and supporting the broader economy.

As the Bank enters its next chapter, its focus is increasingly centered on sustaining growth, accelerating digital transformation, and responding to the evolving needs of customers in an increasingly competitive financial landscape.

From its beginnings as a small savings bank to its position today as the country’s largest banking franchise, BDO’s first 50 years stand as a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and long-term commitment. More importantly, it is a story measured not only in assets and market share, but in the millions of lives it has touched, from entrepreneurs pursuing growth opportunities to overseas Filipinos working hard to support their families back home.

As BDO celebrates its golden anniversary, it marks not just a corporate milestone, but five decades of helping Filipinos achieve their financial aspirations, supporting businesses that drive economic progress, and building lasting connections across generations, communities, and borders.

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that a National Simultaneous School Safety Drill was carried out across all public and private schools on Thursday, aiming to enhance emergency readiness and ensure the safety of both learners and school personnel.

The DepEd said that the initiative aims to enhance multi-agency coordination during active threat scenarios in alignment with localized School Contingency Plans, while ensuring learners’ safety and psychosocial well-being, and learning continuity.

The safety drill at Carlos F. Gonzales High School in Bulacan was attended by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla and DepEd officials, led by Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Malcolm Garma.

In a message read on his behalf, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara emphasized that schools must serve as secure sanctuaries for all learners.

‘We want our schools to be places where a learner’s biggest concern is an upcoming exam, a missed assignment, or simply getting through another busy day at school, not whether they are safe inside their own classroom,’ Angara said, adding that the drill is not about dwelling on frightening situations, but making sure that when an emergency happens, school community knows how to respond.

‘The purpose of a drill is not to look perfect. It is to help us become better prepared,’ he said.

Angara also expressed his gratitude to teachers for their steadfast commitment to protecting learners amid any emergency.

Following extensive consultations with medical and mental health experts, including the Philippine Psychiatric Association, the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Philippine Pediatric Society, DepEd updated its safety drill guidelines to align with trauma-informed, child-centered standards under a strict ‘Do No Harm’ directive. Hyper-realistic elements, active aggressor role-playing, and graphic threat simulations were strictly prohibited.

Instead, drills are triggered by a distinct early warning alarm, separate from standard fire or earthquake signals, to build procedural muscle memory without creating distress.

The simulated drill at Carlos F. Gonzales High School began with an emergency alert via a public address (PA) system and calls to the 911 emergency hotline and local police, prompting teachers and learners to execute protective actions inside classrooms. Arriving police officers operated under strict safety protocols, ensuring their firearms remained concealed. Upon clearance by police, response teams conducted medical first aid while the school activated reunification procedures.

At the same time, developments around fraud monitoring, consumer redress, transaction traceability, and ISO 20022 are placing greater importance on accurate and accessible transaction information across the payments ecosystem.

For enterprises, the next stage of digital payments may therefore be less about adding another payment method and more about ensuring that transactions can move efficiently from payment to reconciliation to the ledger.

What finance leaders need to consider next

The webinar will unpack this changing landscape and explore what the widening divide between payment acceptance and back-office operations means for Philippine enterprises.

Hosted by Mike Valera, the session will feature Aya Montebon, Chief Marketing Officer of SwiftPay, and Genella Malang, Sales Director of SwiftPay, discussing the operational pressures created by fragmented post-payment processes and how enterprises can think about modernization without necessarily replacing their existing financial stack.

As digital payment volumes continue to grow, the question is no longer simply whether businesses can accept digital payments. It is whether their operations can keep up with what happens next.

For CFOs, finance heads, treasury leaders, and enterprise decision-makers looking to understand what this shift means for their businesses, register for SwiftPay’s upcoming webinar:

Date and Time: SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, TUESDAY AT 3:00PM PHILIPPINE TIME

At the same time, developments around fraud monitoring, consumer redress, transaction traceability, and ISO 20022 are placing greater importance on accurate and accessible transaction information across the payments ecosystem.

For enterprises, the next stage of digital payments may therefore be less about adding another payment method and more about ensuring that transactions can move efficiently from payment to reconciliation to the ledger.

What finance leaders need to consider next

The webinar will unpack this changing landscape and explore what the widening divide between payment acceptance and back-office operations means for Philippine enterprises.

Hosted by Mike Valera, the session will feature Aya Montebon, Chief Marketing Officer of SwiftPay, and Genella Malang, Sales Director of SwiftPay, discussing the operational pressures created by fragmented post-payment processes and how enterprises can think about modernization without necessarily replacing their existing financial stack.

As digital payment volumes continue to grow, the question is no longer simply whether businesses can accept digital payments. It is whether their operations can keep up with what happens next.

For CFOs, finance heads, treasury leaders, and enterprise decision-makers looking to understand what this shift means for their businesses, register for SwiftPay’s upcoming webinar:

IMUS, Cavite-Former senator Richard Gordon has renewed his call for the Battle of Imus to be recognized as the First Victory of the Philippine Revolution, saying Filipinos should not be hesitant to acknowledge one of the earliest major triumphs of the revolutionary movement.

‘Why are we so doubtful about naming the first victory of the Revolution?’ Gordon said during the 130th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Imus.

The battle took place from August 31 to September 3, 1896, during the early stages of the Revolution, when Filipino forces were poorly armed and struggling against better-equipped Spanish troops.

After an initial attack on the Imus hacienda failed, Col. José Tagle initiated another attack. Revolutionary forces eventually captured the hacienda, including modern firearms, a mounted cannon and ammunition.

The captured cannon was then used against the Spanish force of Gen. Ernesto de Aguirre, which advanced toward Imus on Sept. 3. Filipino forces drove the Spanish troops back toward Bacoor.

Gordon said the victory had consequences beyond the battlefield. The success strengthened the revolutionary movement in Cavite, where the uprising subsequently spread to other towns. Imus eventually became a revolutionary center, while historian Onofre Corpuz described Cavite as the Revolution’s ‘most successful front.’

For Gordon, the battle deserves greater recognition because it demonstrated that Filipino revolutionaries could defeat a superior colonial force despite limited resources.

‘Dapat malaman ng kabataan na may mga Pilipinong nanalo kahit wala silang sapat na armas at wala silang makapangyarihang kakampi,’ he said.

He added the anniversary should encourage Filipinos to revisit the victories of the Revolution and the people who made them possible.

Heart health is often seen as something to worry about later in life. But in the Philippines, where heart disease accounted for nearly 1 in 5 deaths nationwide in 2025, and hypertension affects one in three Filipino adults, cardiovascular health is a concern that extends well beyond seniors.

As World Heart Day approaches on September 29, LAC Philippines is encouraging Filipinos to reconsider when heart care should begin and recognize the importance of taking proactive steps earlier.

From everyday food choices and sedentary routines to stress and insufficient rest, the habits that shape cardiovascular health can start long before the first warning sign appears. Heart health involves more than one factor, with healthy blood flow and circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood vessel health all playing important roles in overall cardiovascular wellness. For Filipinos, paying attention to these areas through healthier lifestyle choices and regular health checks can be a practical way to start caring for the heart earlier.

One area that deserves closer attention is cholesterol. Cholesterol plays important roles in the body, including supporting hormone production and healthy brain and nerve function. However, having too much of certain types of cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the blood vessels, which can affect healthy blood flow and put added strain on the heart.

Cholesterol levels can also change as the body ages and experiences hormonal changes. Because high cholesterol does not always come with noticeable warning signs, regularly checking and managing cholesterol levels can be an important part of proactive heart care. Alongside healthy eating and regular movement, maintaining cholesterol at healthy levels can help support long-term cardiovascular wellness.

This World Heart Day, LAC Philippines highlights two formulations designed to support different aspects of cardiovascular wellness: LAC Activated® Heart Protect and LAC Activated® Cholesterex.

LAC Activated® Heart Protect is formulated to support healthy blood flow and overall cardiovascular function. Its key ingredient, 2,000FU of Nattokinase, is combined with lecithin and hawthorn to support healthy circulation and cholesterol levels. Designed for adults aged 18 and above, it is taken once daily as a dietary supplement, making it a convenient addition to an everyday heart-health routine. Its distinct focus is on supporting healthy circulation and blood flow as part of proactive cardiovascular care.

LAC Activated® Cholesterex takes a more targeted approach to cholesterol support, combining Red Yeast Rice, Plant Sterols, Lecithin, Policosanol, and Beta-glucan. The formulation is designed to support healthy cholesterol levels while promoting healthy blood vessels and circulation. Taken three capsules daily with food, it offers a more focused approach for those looking to make cholesterol management part of their heart-health routine. Its distinct focus is on supporting healthy cholesterol levels and blood vessel health.

While each formulation addresses a different aspect of cardiovascular wellness, LAC Activated® Heart Protect and LAC Activated® Cholesterex can be taken individually or together as part of a proactive approach to heart care.

Rather than waiting for age or a warning sign to dictate when heart health should become a priority, Filipinos can start by understanding their health, building healthier habits, and paying attention to factors such as cholesterol and circulation earlier in life.

Your heart is working every day, so caring for it can start today, too.

JET HERNANDEZ and Shinichi Suzuki combined for a six-under-par 138 in the third round on Thursday to put Team Philippines in title contention in the 31st Nomura Cup team golf championship in Beijing where Hong Kong-China held ground and kept the lead.

The national Strokeplay and Match Play champions back home, respectively, Hernandez and Suzuki churned out the second-best effort on a demanding day at Bayhood 9 Golf Club as the Filipinos chopped down what stood as a 10-shot deficit at the start of the day to half to be in position to win the event for the first time.

‘We put ourselves in a great spot to have a chance to win this thing,’ said the 21-year-old Hernandez, who drained six birdies in shooting a four-under-par 68 for a 426 aggregate heading into the final 18 holes.

‘The game plan will stay the same for us,’ he said. ‘And that is to do whatever it takes to shoot the lowest score possible.’

Suzuki, meanwhile, birdied three of his last six holes and carved out a 70 as the duo made up for the struggles that Rolando Bregente had in returning a 78.

‘I hit it really well out there,’ the 18-year-old Suzuki said. ‘My round was basically like that of [Wednesday] but I just couldn›t get some of my putts to drop. Then came a really terrible double bogey on N0. 10 for me. We pretty much struggled on that hole all week.

Jeffrey Shen and Markus Zachary Lam fired 70s for HK-China’s 140 and 421 aggregate, now just two shots ahead of Japan, which got a 68 from Kaito Sato and a 71 from Mao Matsuyama for 139 and 423.

China, meanwhile, is just a stroke behind the Filipinos, while South Korea churned out a day-best 136 to be three behind the Chinese in fifth spot, dislodging powerhouses New Zealand and Thailand, who share sixth spot at 433 after a 141 and 144, respectively.

‘Our mindset is to stick to our game plan and give our 100 percent out there [in the fourth round],’ the 6-foot-3 Suzuki went on. ‘And lastly, surrender everything into God’s hands.’

THE government can still support stronger economic growth this year, but it needs to speed up spending, restore public confidence and improve the investment environment, according to the Makati Business Club (MBC).

MBC Chairman Edgar O. Chua said in a forum last Thursday that it was too early to write off 2026, with four months left in the year. However, he acknowledged that some of the constraints facing the economy would take time to address.

‘Government is one of the main engines driving the economy,’ Chua told reporters in a roundtable interview after the business group hosted a forum for the media in Makati City.

‘We still have four months, so hopefully, there’s a chance,’ he added.

Citing the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor and the United States-led Pax Silica initiative, the MBC sees these as potential sources of investment.

Chua, however, recognized that these plans would take time to translate into actual projects. He noted that putting the necessary infrastructure and policy groundwork in place could help attract investments by the end of the year or early next year.

‘If they see that we are really preparing our country, then it would help drive confidence and investment,’ according to the MBC chairman.

But increased government spending alone would not be enough, Chua said.

Spending must be credible and productive, particularly as allegations involving ‘ghost’ projects have eroded public trust.

‘What we need to do is to bring back the confidence of the public in the government,’ he told reporters.

The loss of confidence also affects foreign investors, particularly companies that have yet to establish operations in the Philippines.

‘Foreign investors, if they’re sitting outside the country, what will they read?’ Chua said, noting that companies already operating in the Philippines have a better understanding of how the country works. ‘But those outside, they won’t even come. So we need to lay the groundwork.’

Measures such as a freedom of information law and reforms to bank secrecy rules should be considered as part of efforts to improve transparency and rebuild trust, he added.

Chua also said the government should resolve ongoing political issues in a way that restores confidence in public institutions.

Growth prospects

THE MBC hopes the government’s growth projections would prove accurate, noting that official forecasts tend to be more optimistic.

‘Generally speaking, government is more upbeat about their forecast. It’s normal,’ Chua said, noting that governments need to maintain a positive outlook to avoid discouraging businesses and the public.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) cut its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth target to 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent, from 5 percent to 6 percent projected annually from 2027 to 2030.

On inflation, the DBCC sees the rate averaging 6 percent to 7 percent this year, before slowing to 4 percent to 5 percent in 2027 and settling within the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target from 2028 through 2030.

‘The country needs a sustained growth of minimum 7 percent to bring the country out of, especially our poor countrymen, out of poverty,’ Chua said.

On the other hand, the MBC chairman questioned how some public-private partnership (PPP) projects are evaluated, arguing that the government should place greater weight on the cost and quality of public services rather than the revenue share offered by private concessionaires.

Under some bidding arrangements, he noted, a higher revenue share for government could ultimately translate into higher fees for users.

For MBC, the better basis for selecting a private partner would be its ability to deliver the project at the lowest cost while providing the best possible service to the public.

‘The consideration of government would be not who will give the highest share. It would be who can provide that project at the lowest cost, at the best possible service to the public,’ he said.

EMIRATES will be the launch customer of Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ (LTP) new maintenance facility at Clark International Airport under an extended multi-year contract that keeps heavy checks on the Dubai carrier’s Airbus A380 fleet in the country through 2030.

The agreement, announced last Thursday, ranks among ‘the largest by value’ in the history of LTP, the joint venture between Germany’s Lufthansa Technik AG and Lucio Tan-led MacroAsia Corp.

Work under the extended deal is already running at LTP’s existing complex at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Manila, where two dedicated base maintenance lines have been assigned to Emirates.

The airline will shift into the Clark site once operations there begin. The company broke ground on the second facility in Pampanga earlier this year.

Holger Beck, president and chief executive officer of LTP, said the contract extends a relationship that has run since 2023.

‘We are delighted to extend the strong cooperation we have built with Emirates over the years, and proud to welcome the airline as our launch customer for our new, second facility in Clark, Pampanga,’ he said.

Beck added: ‘Operating two parallel base maintenance lines dedicated to Emirates’ A380 fleet demonstrates our capability to support complex widebody aircraft. This contract is a clear reflection of continued trust in our proven track record of high-quality and reliable MRO [maintenance, repair and overhaul] services.’

LTP has completed more than 30 A380 checks for Emirates to date. The Gulf carrier operates the world’s largest A380 fleet, making it the anchor customer for any MRO provider certified on the double-deck jet, a shrinking pool since Airbus ended production of the type in 2021.

The company expanded to Clark to relieve capacity constraints at Naia, where slot and land limitations have capped the number of widebody lines LTP can run at any one time.

LTP specializes in the Airbus A330, A340 and A380 and the Boeing 777, and intends to add the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 to its portfolio.

ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin on Thursday committed to end the power shortage in the Visayas before Christmas Day this year.

‘I’ll work on it na talagang maaayos na before Christmas. It’s not easy, but that’s the target,’ Garin said on the sidelines of the Seventh Philippine International Geothermal Conference (PIGC7).

Since the start of the year, 93 yellow alerts and 30 red alerts were hoisted in Visayas.

A red alert status is issued when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. The yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas power grid on red alert from 1:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. and yellow alert from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Six power plants are on forced outage since the start of the month, six more since August, one since July, two since June, seven since May, three since 2025, two since 2024, two since 2023, and one since 2021, while 16 plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 792 megawatts unavailable to the grid.

The grid’s peak demand of 2,575 MW was more than its available capacity of 2,187 MW.

The same was observed in Mindanao. Its available capacity stood at 2,480 MW as against a peak demand of 2,546 MW. Thus, a red alert was declared from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. while a yellow alert took effect from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 9:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

NGCP reported that six plants are on forced outage on September 2026, 12 plants since August, four plants since July, one plant since June, two plants since January, one plant since 2025, and one plant since 2024, while seven plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 841.6MW unavailable to the grid.

‘If Mindanao goes bad, then Visayas will go worse. So that’s why we need to balance it all,’ said Garin.

‘We have a lot of power plants, but many of these power plants are old or not functioning very well, derated, damaged. That’s why we issued circulars and guidelines on genco [generation company] accountability,’ said the energy chief.

The DOE is set to turn over a list of erring gencos to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the possible suspension of their operational permits after they snubbed the agency’s show-cause orders (SCOs).

‘If you have a violation or we flagged a violation, that’s strike one. We will give you a strong warning. For the second time, it could be suspension. Third would be cancellation of our COE [certificate of endorsement] or blacklisting,’ said Garin.

Garin stressed that consumers pay their electricity and therefore deserve efficient and reliable power plants. ‘So we’re trying to be very strict on our gencos, they are not regulated but we’re the ones issuing their permits. So we cannot afford to have people suffer because you don’t fix your plant, you don’t maintain or you don’t buy fuel. That’s unacceptable and that’s why people in Visayas are suffering,’ she said.

NISSAN Philippines has unveiled the All-New Kicks e-Power, marking the next generation of its electrified subcompact SUV. First introduced locally in 2022, the Kicks brought Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology to Filipino motorists. Four years later, the new model builds on that foundation with sharper design, enhanced features, and a driving experience that remains distinctly electric.

‘The Philippines is an important market for Nissan, and we are grateful for the trust Filipino customers continue to place in our brand,’ said Nissan Philippines president Yoshinori Kanazawa.

‘The All-New Nissan Kicks e-Power represents a new chapter for a nameplate that has become familiar to Filipino drivers. We are excited to introduce this new generation and invite customers to discover the new Nissan Kicks that are made for those who are ready to explore and Live Daring.’

The launch of the All-New Kicks expands Nissan’s electrified lineup in the Philippines, joining the X-Trail e-Power and reinforcing the brand’s broader vision of Intelligent Mobility. This strategy gives Filipino motorists more opportunities to experience electrified driving through practical, everyday models.

Bold exterior updates

VISUALLY, the fresh exterior design gives a sharper, more expressive presence. At the front, Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille is paired with a new lighting signature, while the triple-arrow daytime running lights sharpen its visual identity. The rear continues this modern approach with hexagon-shaped lamps that reinforce the Kicks’ styling, offering a clean look that stands out both day and night.

Complementing these updates are improved headlights, engineered to deliver wider, longer illumination. This enhancement gives drivers a clearer view of the road, boosting visibility and confidence in low-light conditions. Altogether, the exterior revisions balance boldness with practicality, ensuring the Kicks remains recognizable while adapting to the demands of modern driving.

Everyday comfort inside

INSIDE, the all-new Nissan Kicks is crafted to make daily drives more pleasant and convenient for both drivers and passengers. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats support a comfortable seating position, while anti-heat leather upholstery helps reduce heat buildup in warm conditions. Rear passengers benefit from an optimized seatback angle and a rear armrest that contribute to a more relaxed ride. At the same time, the driver enjoys a six-way power-adjustable seat for a personalized driving position.

Technology enhances the cabin experience, led by a 12.3-inch Display Audio system that integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect Services further support connectivity, bundled with a three-year subscription that gives drivers greater access to features and information on the road. Altogether, the interior balances comfort, practicality, and modern technology, ensuring the Kicks remains well-suited to the demands of daily life.

A smarter way to go electric

AT the heart of the Kicks is Nissan’s e-POWER system, delivering a 100 percent electric motor-driven experience with 136 hp and 280 N-m of torque. Unlike conventional hybrids, the electric motor powers the wheels, while a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine generates electricity for the battery. This setup provides the responsive feel of electric driving without requiring motorists to change their refueling habits.

ADVANCED driver-assistance technology is a defining feature of the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER, with Nissan ProPILOT at the forefront. This system is designed to ease the strain of driving, particularly on highways and longer journeys, by assisting with steering, acceleration, and braking. Intelligent Lane Keep Assist helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane, while Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a preset speed and safe distance from the car ahead. In heavy traffic, ProPILOT’s Traffic Jam Assist can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume driving, making daily commutes and extended trips more convenient and less stressful.

Complementing ProPILOT is a suite of twelve additional safety and driver-assistance technologies that broaden the Kicks e-POWER’s protective reach. Leading Car Departure Notification alerts drivers when the vehicle ahead begins to move. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection provide early alerts and automatic braking support to help avoid potential accidents. Blind Spot Warning with Intervention and Lane Departure Warning with Prevention add layers of protection during lane changes and highway driving. Rear Automatic Emergency Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safeguard against unseen obstacles when reversing, while the Tire Pressure Monitoring System ensures optimal tire performance.

The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection enhances visibility around the vehicle, giving drivers a clearer perspective in tight spaces. High Beam Assist automatically adjusts lighting for improved nighttime visibility, and Driver Attention Alert monitors driver behavior to detect signs of fatigue or distraction.

Together, these technologies create a comprehensive safety net that anticipates risks and actively assists drivers in real time. By combining ProPILOT with an extensive suite of intelligent safety systems, the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER delivers a driving experience that is confident, secure, and well-suited to the demands of modern mobility.

Pricing and color

THE all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER is offered in three variants, each positioned to suit different customer preferences. The VE is priced at P1.499 million, the VL at P1.649 million, and the LE Plus at P1.749 million. Four exterior colors are available-Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Moon Pearl Gray. For a more distinctive look, the LE Plus adds a Black Roof option, creating a refined two-tone appearance. Inside, the LE Plus carries a Moonstone interior combination, while the VE and VL variants feature classic Black finishes.

To make the ownership experience more accessible, Nissan is extending exclusive launch offers. Each purchase comes with a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package, covering prepaid maintenance with genuine Nissan oil and parts. This ensures expert servicing and added value during the first year of ownership, further strengthening customer confidence in the brand’s electrified future.