The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday it is closely coordinating with banks in areas affected by Typhoon Odette to resume full operations.
“In the interim, affected banks have reported to the BSP that they have adopted shortened banking hours following power, telecommunication and internet disruptions caused by the typhoon,” the BSP said.
The BSP advised residents and consumers in these areas to adopt e-banking and digital payment services when possible and transact in banks and branch-lite units located in nearby areas where services are fully operational.
It said that to fast-track their return to full operations, affected banks were working with utility companies and other web service providers.
The banking community in affected areas said they were looking forward to the immediate full restoration of utility and internet services that would enable the resumption of banking operations.
The BSP assured regions devastated by the typhoon of adequate and uninterrupted supply of banknotes as the government, the private sector and international groups poured cash assistance in calamity-hit areas.
It also assured the public that it would continue to provide full tellering services and assist banks in their currency needs to meet demands in typhoon-struck provinces to support the immediate recovery of affected areas.
The government placed six regions under a state of calamity after Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc on Dec. 16. These areas are Regions 4B, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13.
It said a state of calamity should speed up the flow of relief and rescue and the ensuing rehabilitation.