Given its importance, we will be more proactive in exploring ways to increase access to financial services, particularly for those who remain unbanked and unserved by the financial system. 4  BIS Review 59/2009  I believe that all of you, as our partners, share these goals.
I therefore take this opportunity to thank the 91 rural banks participating in MABS, including their nearly 500 banking offices, for being at the forefront of delivering microfinance services to millions of Filipino microentrepreneurs. Ladies and gentlemen, let us give our MABS-participating rural banks a well-deserved round of applause!