Bank of Guam opens new Chalan Piao branch

Bank of Guam celebrated yesterday the relocation of its San Antonio branch to Chalan Piao, allowing the “People’s Bank” to better serve its clients from the southern portion of the island.

The new office on the ground floor of the Joeten Chalan Piao Plaza offers a bigger space in a prime location.

“We are confident that our customers will be able to enjoy the same level of service that they have come to know and expect at our bank,” said Lou A. Leon Guerrero, president and board chair for Bank of Guam.

Leon Guerrero and other bank executives led government officials and business leaders in the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially marked the Chalan Piao Branch grand opening.

Bank of Guam was founded by Jesus S. Leon Guerrero, Lou’s father. Its first branch in Guam opened on Dec. 10, 1972, and about eight years later, Bank of Guam expanded its roots to Saipan with the opening of the Susupe Branch on Oct. 1, 1980, and has since opened branches in Palau, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap, Majuro, and other islands throughout the Pacific.

Lou Leon Guerrero, in her remarks, said that Bank of Guam continues to remain an important part of the CNMI community. Their commitment to their clientele, she said, is a “key ingredient” in their success despite tough economic times.

“While the economic challenges to the CNMI are daunting, it is our firm belief that we must be able to maintain our presence in the community at the same level as we did when economic times were good,” said Leon Guerrero. “Our commitment to the CNMI is one that is steadfast and we hope that by maintaining a service branch to meet the needs of our Saipan customers, we will play an integral part of helping our community achieve the economic heights we once enjoyed.”

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial told dozens of Bank of Guam customers and supporters that he knows the Leon Guerrero family “very, very well” and that he is happy to know that they decided to become a tenant of the Tenorio or Joeten family of Saipan, which drew chuckles from the crowd.

“Congratulations to Bank of Guam for expanding their investment in the CNMI,” said Fitial.

In an interview, Leon Guerrero said that the move is part of Bank of Guam’s plans, which aims to make the institution more attuned to its growing number of technology-savvy clients by upgrading its online banking system, adopting mobile banking, and taking on the “paperless” or e-statement approach—all of which would provide clients with varying options.

Bank of Guam, she assured, will also see to it that “traditional customers” or those who prefer the personal approach by coming in to see their bankers will also be taken care of.

Tuesday’s event was also an opportunity for Bank of Guam to announce their donation to three chosen beneficiaries as their way of giving back to the island community that has welcomed them with open arms.

“We believe that the value and the worth of a business is in how well you contribute and how well you commit to the community because it’s the community’s support that makes you successful,” said Leon Guerrero.

Being a nurse in the past, Leon Guerrero said this profession is “really close to my heart” and thanked the members of the CNMI Nurses Association for their hard work in providing essential health care on the islands.

Leon Guerrero also commended the Karidat Social Services for ensuring that social needs of the public are met.

Leon Guerrero also noted the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with autism, thereby expressing hope that their contribution to the Autism Society of the CNMI will go toward its efforts to raise awareness and understanding of this condition.

“We at Bank of Guam thank the support of the community, the business and government leaders in this great island of the CNMI. We are here to help in whatever way we can to stimulate their economy, to help them in times of need,” she concluded.

Fr. Celso Magbanua Jr. led yesterday’s blessing of the new Bank of Guam office. Guests were served with refreshments following the ceremony.