Trust income sustained its healthy 21.2% growth as assets under management expanded by16.7%. The recovery in recurring fees helped mitigate the impact of subdued loan demand and margin pressure. Metrobank managed to keep operating costs under control, slightly declining to P29.4 billion. Bank president Fabian S. Dee is confident Metrobank will sustain its upward trajectory for the rest of the year given the improved vaccination rollouts across the country. "Our reserves already cover 179 percent of non-performing loans (NPLs). Capital ratios are almost double the regulatory minimum and with abundant liquidity, the Bank is in a strong position to endure prolonged risks. We have the capacity and are looking forward to provide funding support to business activities that will help push economic recovery," Dee said.