MANILA, Philippines — FinTech Alliance PH recognized Her Excellency Titanilla Tóth, outgoing Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines, and Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Dr. Dexter Galban as recipients of the Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. Fintech Leadership Award during the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila.
The award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to advancing digital transformation, financial inclusion, innovation, and collaboration principles championed by the late Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. throughout his distinguished career in public service.
Tóth was recognized for her efforts to strengthen cooperation between Hungary and the Philippines, particularly in fostering opportunities for innovation, technology exchange, and stronger bilateral engagement. Her work has helped create avenues for closer collaboration between institutions and stakeholders from both countries amid an increasingly interconnected digital economy.
Galban, meanwhile, was honored for his leadership in advancing technology and innovation within the Philippine education sector. He was recognized by former US President Barack Obama through the Obama Foundation for his critical role in expanding opportunities for Filipino learners through and preparing the country’s education system for an increasingly technology-driven future.
FinTech Alliance PH Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva said the recognition reflects the organization’s belief that meaningful digital transformation extends beyond the financial services industry and requires collaboration across government, education, diplomacy, and the private sector.
“The legacy of Governor Nestor Espenilla reminds us that innovation becomes truly meaningful when it improves people’s lives and brings more Filipinos into the opportunities created by the digital economy,” Villanueva said. “Ambassador Tóth and Assistant Secretary Galban embody this spirit of leadership, using collaboration and technology to build stronger institutions and create a more inclusive future.”
Named after the late BSP governor, the Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. Fintech Leadership Award pays tribute to his enduring legacy as one of the country’s foremost advocates of financial inclusion and digital financial transformation, and regarded as the “disruptor regulator.” Espenilla championed reforms that encouraged responsible innovation, greater competition, and broader access to formal financial services.
The recognition of Tóth and Galban also highlights the increasingly cross-sectoral nature of digital transformation, where progress in financial technology intersects with education, international cooperation, public policy, and inclusive economic development.
The awards were presented during the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila, which brought together leaders and stakeholders from government, financial services, technology, and other sectors to discuss emerging innovations and opportunities shaping the region’s digital economy.
FinTech Alliance PH continues to champion responsible innovation and public-private collaboration toward building a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive digital economy for the Philippines and the wider ASEAN region.
