The Answers With Berna Romulo Puyat - Robb Report Philippines

As Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Berna Romulo Puyat focuses on how regular people handle money every day. She oversees regional operations, financial education, financial inclusion, and consumer protection, among others. It means making sure cash reaches every part of the country, while also bringing more Filipinos into the financial system, whether through banks or e-wallets. (Article continues after the video.)

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“At the end of the day, the only way for a country to improve is for its people to know what to do with their money, to know how to save, to have a bank account,” she says.

Berna brings decades of public service to the role. She previously taught at the University of the Philippines, served as Undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture, and later as Secretary of the Department of Tourism, traveling across the country to work with local governments to develop tourist spots and support new destinations.

In that role, she was very much the public face of Philippine tourism.

“I actually enjoy this job more, just doing the work, without all the socials,” she says. “I’m really an introvert, so after work, I head home. I like staying in with my dogs.”

She also encourages more women to enter government.

“We’re one of the few countries in the world with more women leaders than men,” she says. “In public service, it’s not enough to just do your job. You need empathy, to understand what the people you serve really need. That’s why we need more women in public service.”

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Press the snooze button.

Do you have a uniform for certain occasions?

No matter the occasion, I love wearing locally made clothes.

Favorite clothes to wear?

Anything black because it’s a classic color.

What apps do you use the most?

WhatsApp, Viber, and Pokémon Go when I’m stuck in traffic.

Berna Romulo Puyat with her rescue dog, Coby. Joseph Pascual — With her rescue dog, Coby. Joseph Pascual

What do you do that’s still analog?

I still prefer writing notes in a notebook during meetings. It helps me to remember key points better than typing them on my phone or iPad.

What advice do you wish you’d followed?

To worry less about what other people think.

What do you most crave at the end of the day?

Comfort food like sisig, turon, or sweet spaghetti.

Who is your dealer and what do they source for you?

I don’t really have a dealer. I usually discover things on my own.

Bloom miniature chair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Joseph Pascual — Bloom miniature chair by Kenneth Cobonpue. *Joseph Pascual*

What is your exercise routine and how often do you do it?

The ones given to me by my late husband, Dave.

What is your most prized possession?

Family photographs, especially those from vacations with my late husband and our kids. They remind me of what truly matters.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Happiness is a choice.

Which place in the Philippines do you think deserves more attention?

Many places, but Siquijor and Dumaguete come to mind.

Where in the Philippines do you go when you want to completely switch off?

Anywhere, as long as I’m with my loved ones.

Favorite city outside the Philippines?

Tokyo or Seoul.

Favorite hotel?

The Henry.

I try to walk the dogs every day for about 30 minutes and then use the stationary bike for another 30 minutes.

How do you find calm?

Spending time with my dogs and staying at home.

Who is your guru?

My parents.

What’s your favorite cocktail?

I don’t drink. If it’s a mocktail, anything sweet.

What’s the most impressive dish you cook?

I don’t cook, but I used to bake chocolate crinkles.

What do you collect?

I’ve started collecting miniature chairs.

A few of the miniature chairs in Berna’ collection. *Joseph Pascual*

What’s the most recent addition to your collection?

A Tangerine Bloom miniature chair by Cobonpue.

What is the most recent thing you regret not buying?

I always regret not buying things when they’re on sale.

What was the first artwork you bought?

An Amorsolo painting.

A painting by Amorsolo. Joseph Pascual — A painting by Amorsolo. *Joseph Pascual*

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

Using AI tools more effectively. I’m curious about how they can help analyze information and improve the way we work.

How many watches do you own?

I have a few, but I haven’t worn them since the pandemic.