Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) executive vice president and chief innovations and inclusion officer Lito Villanueva has been honored by the Asia Marketing Foundation (AMF) as “Asia’s Top Outstanding Netizen—Digital Marketeer of the Year,” recognizing his pioneering role in digital finance and inclusion.
The prestigious Asia Youth, Women, Netizen (YWN) Marketing Excellence Awards, organized by AMF, spotlights exceptional regional marketing leaders. Finalists are nominated by local marketing associations from 19 countries, with the Philippine Marketing Association representing the Philippines. These nominees undergo rigorous evaluation and the AMF selects the regional winners for the top honors.
Villanueva was commended for his leadership in RCBC’s digital transformation and advocacy for sustainable financial inclusion. Known as “Mr. Fintech of the Philippines” by NewsBiz Asia, Villanueva has propelled RCBC into a leading digital banking institution, earning the title of Philippines’ Best Bank for Digital by Euromoney (formerly Asiamoney) for five consecutive years and contributing to RCBC’s more than 250 awards.
Earlier this year, Villanueva was feted with the highly coveted Outstanding Achievement for Marketing Management in the Agora Awards. Launched in 1979, the Agora Awards is PMA’s annual recognition of the marketing prowess of individuals and organizations and their contributions to developing the marketing profession in the country. Dubbed the “Oscars of Marketing” in the country, it is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in the field of marketing in the Philippines.
Expressing his gratitude, Villanueva dedicated the award to his team, calling them “innovative, out-of- the-box thinkers” and “industry disruptors.”
“Our mission is to harness digital technology as a force for good—bridging gaps, empowering communities and driving sustainable change,” Villanueva said. “This award reflects what’s possible when purpose and vision come together, with every member working towards a common goal.”
