Polytechnic University of the Philippines

PUP Awards Tanglaw ng Bayan to Activist-turned-Banker

Dan Esponilla Dalac, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) bestowed on banker Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. the Tanglaw ng Bayan award during its mid-year commencement exercises held December 11 at the University Gymnasium in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Tanglaw ng Bayan is the highest award of recognition granted by the country’s first polytechnic and largest university to individuals who have outstanding achievements and significant contributions to Philippine society.

Executive Vice President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, representing PUP President Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman, handed the award to the former political detainee from Dinalupihan, Bataan who is now the president and chief executive officer of EastWest Banking Corporation. He was assisted by the members of the PUP Board of Regents and other officials.

The University said Moncupa was recognized for his “outstanding professional service in the finance and banking industry”, having been in the sector for three decades and at the helm of EastWest Bank in the past eight years.

Moncupa provides leadership to what is now dubbed as one of the fastest growing financial institutions and the 7^th largest universal bank in the Philippines, which has a workforce of over 5,500 and a network of 420 branches nationwide.

A certified public accountant since 1981, Moncupa is a director of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) and BancNet. Prior to his stint in EastWest Bank, he was with the International Exchange Bank from 1995 to 2006, United Coconut Planters Bank from 1988 to 1995, and Union Bank of the Philippines from 1985 to 1988.

The 57-year-old Tanglaw ng Bayan awardee was arrested on allegations of rebellion and affiliation with the underground National Democratic Front and was detained for nearly two years in the early 1980s.

Hon. Antonio C. Moncupa, Jr.