Dec. 25--Many banks in the country will be open during the holidays, on the back of the central bank's directive that gives the institutions an option to continue deposit and withdrawal services during the long break.

"This is a welcome move as their being open will allow their clients to have access to certain services during the holiday break," said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said its branches were open Christmas Eve, and its mall branches will be open on December 27, 28 and 29.

Banco de Oro Unibank issued a statement assuring its clients of continued banking services during the very hectic days of the Christmas season. This means that BDO depositors will continue to enjoy access to banking products and services even when banks are not normally open for business.

Nearly 500 BDO branches will remain open for business even during the weekend, as well as on the declared nonworking days--from Friday to December 31. Branches located in SM shopping malls will also be open during the holiday break.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Comp. (Metrobank) said about 300 of its branches would continue its services but would be closed on December 29 and resume its services on January 2.

PS Bank's entire branch network will be open also during the holidays, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Security Bank and China Banking Corp., said that they would follow the same holiday schedule.

Also in a statement Wednesday, the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) announced that 163 out of its 178 branches would be open on December 27, 29 and 30. Of the 163 branches, 90 will open on December 27; 42 branches on December 29, and 90 on December 30. The complete list of which UCPB branches will open can be found at the bank's website at www.ucpb.com.

All LandBank branches and extension offices nationwide are open on December 29--except those located inside government offices, according to a statement.

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