Doris Cardenas

Apprehensive. Anxious. Concerned. Those were the initial reactions she felt when she was nominated to attend the Internet Bank Examination School for Foreign Supervisors at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Washington (OCC), D.C. USA. The seminar was held on October 15-18, 2002. Being one among the 3 participants coming from the Philippines (two came from DCB II and SRSO), she is the only one who has no actual involvement in internet banking. But because of intensive reading and research through the internet (she actually subscribed to an unlimited internet connection), she passed the after-course test with flying colors (100%...can’t ask for more!). All the 3 delegates from the Philippines got a perfect score along with 6 others coming from other countries. The seminar-workshop was participated by 25 delegates coming from 15 countries.

All of these are true for Ms. Doris Fondevilla Cardenas who finished her Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the University of Sto. Tomas and obtained her Masters in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines. She joined the BSP in 1975 and was assigned to the Department of Rural Banks. Awarded as Model Employee in 1980, rated Outstanding over several semesters and achieved Merit Awards for three times, Doris actually rose from the rank. She was appointed Bank Officer III in March 1998 after being in an acting position for more than a year. She attended lots of trainings, seminars and workshops locally. But the seminar sponsored by OCC is her first abroad.

Let me share with you some of her insights:

How is the seminar related to your work? Right now not a single institution in the rural banking industry is involved in Internet banking. Although the seminar is not related to my work, it has increased my understanding of the technical components, the risks associated with internet banking activities and the impact that internet banking services have on the overall risk profile of a bank.

If not related, do you think it will become relevant to RB supervision in the future? Banking through the internet is now the trend despite the risks, security threats, vulnerabilities, regulatory, compliance and legal issues and other problems. The risk assessment of a bank doing internet banking would be a lot more complicated compared to a bank that engages only in traditional banking. Regulatory and supervisory bodies should be aware of the issues and problems and should be prepared on how to address them. Seminars similar to those being conducted by OCC are quite relevant.

Should SED IV start training more people in IT, in general and Internet Banking in particular? As regulators of the banking industry, it would be a great advantage to supervisors in the Supervision and Examination Sector to have an extensive knowledge particularly on the issues and problems inherent to banking through the internet. I foresee that big rural banks would eventually apply for authority to do internet banking if only to be more competitive and be able to attract more clients. I have recommended that the BSPI continue on sending participants from our Department to this seminar.

Do you consider yourself successful? If not, when can you say that you are successful? Others would view success in terms of wealth, power and position. For me, success is something that could not be measured but rather felt. Success is – a happy marriage where there is love, trust and respect; knowing that my son was commended for a good deed in school; seeing a flower bloom after years of nurturing; being comfortable with what I have and happy of what I do; and living every minute in contentment and in peace. This is my perception of what success is. I really consider myself successful and I am thankful to God for everything.

What were the contributions of your husband and children to your success? Countless! My husband and children have been very supportive. They have individually contributed in one way or another for the sate of life I am enjoying.

How many children do you have? Are they all graduates? My husband and I are blessed with two daughters and two sons. My daughters are already college graduates. Both of them are scholars at the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) and the University of the Philippines under the sponsorship of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). My eldest daughter finished Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (cum laude) and is now on her second year of teaching at the PSHS. She placed second in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers after taking the required educational units to be able to teach at her alma mater. My second daughter is an Industrial Engineer while my two sons are still in high school, one in PSHS and the other in St. Mary’s College.

How did your childhood mold the person in you? My parents taught me to be responsible, frugal, respectful and considerate. I was brought up in a family that instills self-discipline, honesty and hard work. I think that these values and traits have greatly influenced my work as a public servant.

What is your style in handling your subordinates? I prefer a supportive style of handling my subordinates. I want to create a friendly and pleasant working climate by treating them with respect and dignity. I believe that it would be easier for them to achieve their goals if they have a feeling of high job satisfaction and are properly motivated. These will lead to close cooperation and will have a positive effect on the individual and departmental productivity.

What do you think is your subordinates’ perception of you? I would like to believe that they like my style of management and that I treat them fairly and with respect.

Insights on the negative image of the Department. It is very disheartening and disturbing to hear accusations against some examiners of our Department allegedly engaging in unlawful activities. Although these are isolated cases, management should investigate if these accusations really exist. On the other hand, it could also be a wake up call for the management to address the concerns of our field men.

Any message for the Department. To all my colleagues, let us all strive to give our best efforts. Let us be committed to the ideals of patriotism and love of country and let these be the driving force to make us more dedicated public servants.

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