By Kenneth Marcos 
Early morning lines at banks are a familiar sight for many Filipinos paying bills, sending money, or withdrawing cash for daily needs. On Thursday, some clients of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) had to pause their plans after learning that several branches were closed to observe local holidays.
DBP announced that a number of its branches temporarily stopped operations on December 18, 2025, in line with celebrations declared by local government units. The advisory was released at 8:47 a.m. to inform the public and help clients adjust their banking schedules for the day.
The branches closed for the local holidays are the DBP Tuguegarao Branch in Cagayan, DBP Iloilo Branch, DBP Jaro Branch, DBP Pototan Branch in Iloilo, and the DBP Tacloban Branch in Leyte. These areas are observing their own local festivities, which prompted the temporary suspension of branch services.
DBP clarified that all other branches nationwide remain open and ready to serve clients. This includes branch-lite units (BLUs) and the DBP Financial Center. Operating hours for open branches on December 18 are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For many Filipinos, especially workers, small business owners, farmers, and senior citizens, access to banking services is essential. DBP plays a key role in providing financial support to agriculture, infrastructure, and local development projects across the country. It also serves individual clients who rely on its branches for savings, loans, and remittance services.
To avoid inconvenience, DBP encouraged clients to check the updated list of open branches before visiting. The bank maintains an online directory that shows which branches and ATMs are operational on a given day, especially during holidays and special schedules.
Clients with urgent concerns were also reminded that DBP’s customer support channels remain available. For feedback and complaints, the DBP Customer Experience Management Department can be reached from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., through email. Consumers may also contact the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Financial Consumer Protection Department for assistance.
For lost ATM cards and other urgent ATM-related concerns, DBP’s hotlines are open 24 hours a day. These services ensure that clients can still get help even if their nearest branch is temporarily closed.
DBP also reminded the public that it is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which oversees banks to protect consumers and ensure safe and reliable financial services.
As the year-end season approaches, banks often see an increase in transactions due to holiday spending, business payments, and preparations for family gatherings. DBP advised clients to plan ahead, use digital banking services when possible, and visit open branches early to avoid long lines.
The advisory serves as a reminder for bank clients to stay informed, especially during holidays, to ensure smooth and hassle-free transactions.
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