SOUTHEAST COUNTRY BANK INC. (A Rural Bank), with 50 years of dedicated banking service since 1974, is a testament to the legacy of a humble institution that began as the Rural Bank of Camaligan in Camaligan, Camarines Sur. As the bank grew and expanded its range of services, it became essential to adopt a name that reflected its broader vision and future aspirations, rather than one confined to a specific location. Recognizing this, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved the change of its corporate name to SouthEast Country Bank, Inc. (A Rural Bank) on November 3, 2006. 

Looking ahead, our fifth branch—and our very first in Manila—was successfully established and began operations on November 8, 2023. It is strategically located in Aseana, the thriving business center of Parañaque and as we celebrate our  Golden Anniversary, allow me to share a glimpse into our branch locations, along with their rich history and notable landmarks.

Southeast Country Bank -Camaligan (December 2, 1974)

The town of Camaligan traces its roots back to the early 1700s, when settlers known as cortadores (woodcutters) arrived in the area. These settlers harvested timber from the nearby mountains and the San Miguel Bay area to craft canoes (bancas), which they stored under small sheds (kamalig). As these sheds increased in number and evolved into permanent dwellings for the canoe makers, the area came to be known as "Camaligan," derived from kamalig (shed) and the locative suffix -an, meaning "a place where many sheds can be found."

Historically, the town was closely connected to the Bicol River and its early inhabitants. Before adopting the name Camaligan, it was previously known as "Catagbacan." According to D. Adolfo Puya y Ruiz in his 1887 work on Camarines Sur, the town was also referred to as "Kinamaligan."

Landmarks:

St Anthony of Padua Parish Church 

Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Church, originally known as Camaligan Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Camaligan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is the one of the two parish churches of the Archdiocese of Caceres located in the town of Camaligan.

Camaligan River Park

Camaligan River Park, also known as Camaligan Wharf, is a linear park in Camaligan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Situated along the Bicol River, it is the only park within the municipality. Originally introduced as Camaligan River Cruise Park in June 2014, it underwent renovations starting in 2016 and reopened in 2017, drawing a large number of visitors.

Southeast Country Bank - Buhi  (February 2, 1983)

Buhi originated as a settlement of refugees fleeing a Mayon Volcano eruption. The town's name likely comes from the local term "naka-buhi," meaning "able to escape," which early settlers may have told Spaniards when asked about the area. Buhi had two patron saints: St. Francis of Assisi, whose wooden church burned in 1730 and was replaced with a stone structure under Rev. Fray Jose de Cerda, and St. Anthony of Padua. The present Buhi Church was completed in 1884 but needed roof repairs after a fire in 1890.

Landmarks:

Lake Buhi 

Lake Buhi, located in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines, spans 18 square kilometers with an average depth of 8 meters. Nestled in a valley between the ancient volcanoes Mount Iriga and Mount Malinao, it is a notable natural feature of the region.

Native Variety: Sinarapan

The world's smallest commercial fish, Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), is native to Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur. It reaches an average length of just 1.25 centimeters, making it only slightly longer than the Dwarf Goby.

Southeast Country Bank  Calabanga - March 10, 1992

Originally a visita (barrio) under Quipayo in 1578, the area now known as Calabanga was once a dense forest teeming with wildlife. Its name is believed to have originated from the Bicol word Calabangan, referring to animal snares, or Calagbangan, meaning a long, straight street. Gaining prominence with 400 tributes, it became an independent town on July 15, 1749, following a petition by 37 residents.

At the time of its establishment, Calabanga had two visitas—Cagapad and Hinarijan—along with 12 barrios. Today, it is a thriving municipality in Camarines Sur and a key member of the Metro Naga Development Council, known for its fishing and agriculture. Historically, Calabanga governed several areas, including Tinambac, Siruma, Bombon, Magarao, Cabusao, and Libmanan—the latter being the oldest, established in 1580, while Bombon was the last to separate in 1949.

Landmarks:

Our lady of Immaculate Conception Parish Church or Quipayo Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, also known as Quipayo Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Philippines, under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Caceres.

Originally founded by Franciscan missionaries in 1578, the church was first constructed using wood and nipa. In 1616, it was rebuilt with bricks, featuring a façade made of ladrillo, a durable, reddish-brown brick.

Recognized for its historical significance, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines designated the Baroque-style church as a national historical landmark in 1979.

Amang Hinulid

Amang Hinulid (or the Santo Sepulcro of Calabanga) was said to be brought here by a Spanish sculptor and was discharged in Legazpi. A woman named Bartola Repolito bought this image. She was married to the Captain of Calabanga named Anacleto Ysaac. They established the Barangay San Antonio, Calabanga. Camarines Sur and built a chapel in honor to the Hinulid.

Southeast Country Bank - Pili (May 5, 1993)

The history of Pili, Camarines Sur, dates back to the 1770s with the arrival of Spanish missionaries. The town was originally inhabited by the Cimarrones or Remontados, indigenous groups who resisted Spanish rule from the nearby city of Nueva Cáceres. Initially settled in Binanuaanan, the missionaries later moved the town center to its present location, where St. Raphael Archangel Church now stands.

In 1901, the Americans formally established Pili. Its name is believed to have been derived either from the Pili nut or the Bicol word pili, meaning "to choose," as the Americans considered it a strategic location to replace Naga City, which was prone to flooding. They developed key infrastructure, including the Naga Airport and the Camarines Sur Agricultural School, now known as the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. Pili was officially recognized as a municipality in 1919.

During World War II, the Japanese stationed 3,000 troops in Pili due to its American-built infrastructure, constructing tunnels and bunkers, many of which still exist today. As they retreated, they fortified Mt. Isarog, making it their final stronghold in Bicol. Today, a historical landmark stands in honor of the war heroes.

When Naga City became a chartered city, Pili was selected as the new provincial capital. On June 6, 1955, it was officially declared the capital of Camarines Sur through R.A. 1336, with land in Cadlan donated for the construction of the provincial capitol.

Landmarks:

Camsur Watersports Complex

Camsur Watersports Complex, also known as Camarines Sur Watersports Complex, is a park dedicated to wakeboarding, wakeskating, and waterskiing. It is owned by Juan Miguel Villafuerte, the second-degree grandson of former Hon. Luis Villafuerte. The complex is situated within the Provincial Capitol Complex in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The Filipino Japanese Friendship Monument

The Filipino-Japanese Friendship Landmark is a war memorial located on Mount Isarog in Sitio Bongcao, Barangay Curry, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines.

During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Forces used the natural caves of Bongcao Hill at the foot of Mount Isarog as a stronghold. In 1945, this site became the stage for their last stand in the Bicol region.

The landmark was established through the efforts of Isarog-Kai and then Camarines Sur Vice-Governor Jose B. Velarde. It was inaugurated on October 23, 1985, to commemorate the end of the war and strengthen post-war relations between Japan and the Philippines.

Southeast Country Bank – Aseana Paranaque (November 8, 2023)

Aseana Business Park is a 204-hectare mixed-use central business district in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. Owned and developed by D.M. Wenceslao & Associates through Aseana Holdings, it is strategically situated within the Central Business Park, adjacent to PAGCOR's Entertainment City. It lies between the SM business complex to the north and Asiaworld to the south, within the Bay City area.

In 2008, the Philippine Reclamation Authority granted DMWAI the rights to develop Aseana Business Park on the CBP I-B and C lots. The development features key establishments such as the 4-hectare Neo-Chinatown, Aseana 1 to 3 office buildings, Singapore School Manila, The King's School Manila, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parqal Mall, and the DFA Passport Center. It is also home to City of Dreams Manila, an integrated resort and casino within Entertainment City. Other notable landmarks in Aseana City include Aseana Power Station, Aseana Square, and St. John Paul II Chapel.

Aseana City is located in the barangays of Baclaran and Tambo in Parañaque, Metro Manila.

Landmarks:

City of Dreams

Located in Entertainment City, south of Manila, City of Dreams Manila is a 6.2-hectare integrated resort offering world-class lifestyle experiences. It features luxury accommodations from globally renowned brands such as NÜWA, Nobu, and Hyatt, as well as fine dining destinations like Nobu Manila, The Tasting Room, and Crystal Dragon.

The resort also boasts high-end retail boutiques, state-of-the-art gaming facilities for both VIP and mass players, and exceptional entertainment options, including Chaos nightclub and DreamPlay, the first-ever DreamWorks-inspired interactive family play space.

Conveniently located, City of Dreams Manila is just minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s largest retail mall and convention center, cultural landmarks, and the Makati business district.

Parqal Mall

Parqal is a fusion of the words "park" and "kalye" (which means street). Located at the heart of Aseana City, it is strategically positioned along the main spine, intersecting Macapagal Boulevard and Diokno Boulevard.

Prix Versailles, the annual architectural competition, recently unveiled its list of The World's Most Beautiful Emporiums for 2024, featuring a Philippine mall among the honorees.