MANILA -BDO Unibank Inc., the country's biggest lender, closed the first quarter of 2023 with a 41-percent profit surge to P16.5 billion as total loans rose to P2.6 trillion. "While macroeconomic challenges persist with still elevated inflation and interest rates, the bank believes it is in a good position to weather short-term volatility and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities given its sound balance sheet, established business franchise and strong and diversified earnings streams," BDO said in a stock exchange filing on Tuesday. Net interest income during the quarter reached P43.4 billion, a 28-percent jump from the same period in 2021. Non-interest earnings also rose...Keep on reading: BDO Q1 profit up 41% to P16.5B