<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<xs:schema xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:fbp="http://www.firstbankpr.com/20230630" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" xmlns:negated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" xmlns:us-gaap="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023" xmlns:stpr="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023" xmlns:ecd="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023" targetNamespace="http://www.firstbankpr.com/20230630" elementFormDefault="qualified">
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>000100 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_StatementCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFFINANCIALCONDITION" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFFINANCIALCONDITION">
        <link:definition>000200 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_StatementCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFFINANCIALCONDITIONParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFFINANCIALCONDITIONParenthetical">
        <link:definition>000300 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_StatementCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOME" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOME">
        <link:definition>000400 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_StatementCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSS">
        <link:definition>000500 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_StatementCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS">
        <link:definition>000600 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY">
        <link:definition>000700 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureBASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIES" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIES">
        <link:definition>010001 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureEARNINGSPERCOMMONSHARE" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EARNINGSPERCOMMONSHARE">
        <link:definition>010021 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATION" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATION">
        <link:definition>010022 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIES" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIES">
        <link:definition>010005 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENT" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENT">
        <link:definition>010008 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLES" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLES">
        <link:definition>010014 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETS">
        <link:definition>010015 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEPOSITS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEPOSITS">
        <link:definition>010016 - Disclosure - DEPOSITS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTS">
        <link:definition>010017 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLB" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLB">
        <link:definition>010018 - Disclosure - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGS">
        <link:definition>010020 - Disclosure - OTHER LONG-TERM BORROWINGS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKHOLDERSEQUITY">
        <link:definition>010023 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureINCOMETAXES" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/INCOMETAXES">
        <link:definition>010028 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_FAIRVALUE" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FAIRVALUE">
        <link:definition>010032 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSUPPLEMENTALSTATEMENTOFCASHFLOWSINFORMATION" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SUPPLEMENTALSTATEMENTOFCASHFLOWSINFORMATION">
        <link:definition>010035 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATION" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SEGMENTINFORMATION">
        <link:definition>010034 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIES" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIES">
        <link:definition>010036 - Disclosure - REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformation" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformation">
        <link:definition>010037 - Disclosure - FIRST BANCORP. (Holding Company Only) Financial Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureEARNINGSPERCOMMONSHARETables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EARNINGSPERCOMMONSHARETables">
        <link:definition>030021 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONTables">
        <link:definition>030022 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESTables">
        <link:definition>030005 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTTables">
        <link:definition>030008 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASESTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASESTables">
        <link:definition>030009 - Disclosure - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LEASES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESTables">
        <link:definition>030014 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSTables">
        <link:definition>030015 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEPOSITSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEPOSITSTables">
        <link:definition>030016 - Disclosure - DEPOSITS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSTables">
        <link:definition>030018 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBTables">
        <link:definition>030019 - Disclosure - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGSTables">
        <link:definition>030020 - Disclosure - OTHER LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUETables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FAIRVALUETables">
        <link:definition>030030 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSUPPLEMENTALSTATEMENTOFCASHFLOWSINFORMATIONTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SUPPLEMENTALSTATEMENTOFCASHFLOWSINFORMATIONTables">
        <link:definition>030034 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SEGMENTINFORMATIONTables">
        <link:definition>030033 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformationTables">
        <link:definition>030037 - Disclosure - FIRST BANCORP. (Holding Company Only) Financial Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureEARNINGSPERCOMMONSHARECalculationsOfEarningsPerCommonShareDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EARNINGSPERCOMMONSHARECalculationsOfEarningsPerCommonShareDetail">
        <link:definition>043700 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Calculations of Earnings Per Common Share (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONOmnibusPlanAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONOmnibusPlanAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043710 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Omnibus Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONRestrictedStockActivityUnderOmnibusPlanDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONRestrictedStockActivityUnderOmnibusPlanDetail">
        <link:definition>043712 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Activity Under Omnibus Plan (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetail">
        <link:definition>040300 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Investment Securities Available for Sale (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DEBTSECURITIESAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>040302 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESAvailableForSaleInvestmentsFairValueAndGrossUnrealizedLossesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESAvailableForSaleInvestmentsFairValueAndGrossUnrealizedLossesDetail">
        <link:definition>040303 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Available-For-Sale Investments' Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESOTTILossesOnAvailableforSaleDebtSecuritiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESOTTILossesOnAvailableforSaleDebtSecuritiesDetail">
        <link:definition>040365 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - OTTI Losses on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESSignificantAssumptionsInValuationOfPrivateLabelMBSDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESSignificantAssumptionsInValuationOfPrivateLabelMBSDetail">
        <link:definition>040350 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Significant Assumptions in Valuation of Private Label MBS (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanPortfolioHeldForInvestmentDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanPortfolioHeldForInvestmentDetail">
        <link:definition>040600 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Loan Portfolio Held for Investment (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsAgingOfLoansHeldForInvestmentPortfolioDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsAgingOfLoansHeldForInvestmentPortfolioDetail">
        <link:definition>040800 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Corporation's Aging of Loans Held for Investment Portfolio (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsAgingOfLoansHeldForInvestmentPortfolioParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsAgingOfLoansHeldForInvestmentPortfolioParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>040850 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Corporation's Aging of Loans Held for Investment Portfolio (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>041100 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTSelectedInformationOnTDRsIncludesRecordedInvestmentByLoanClassAndModificationTypeDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTSelectedInformationOnTDRsIncludesRecordedInvestmentByLoanClassAndModificationTypeDetail">
        <link:definition>041400 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Selected Information on TDRs includes Recorded Investment by Loan Class and Modification Type (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanModificationsAreConsideredTDRsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanModificationsAreConsideredTDRsDetail">
        <link:definition>041650 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Loan Modifications are Considered TDRs (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanModificationsConsideredTroubledDebtRestructuringsDefaultedDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanModificationsConsideredTroubledDebtRestructuringsDefaultedDetail">
        <link:definition>041700 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Loan Modifications Considered Troubled Debt Restructurings Defaulted (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASESAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASESAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>041870 - Disclosure - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LEASES - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>042000 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESGrossAmountAndAccumulatedAmortizationOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESGrossAmountAndAccumulatedAmortizationOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetail">
        <link:definition>042050 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Gross Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>042100 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSChangesInServicingAssetsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSChangesInServicingAssetsDetail">
        <link:definition>042150 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS - Changes in Servicing Assets (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSChangesInImpairmentAllowanceDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSChangesInImpairmentAllowanceDetail">
        <link:definition>042250 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS - Changes in Impairment Allowance (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSComponentsOfNetServicingIncomeDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSComponentsOfNetServicingIncomeDetail">
        <link:definition>042300 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS - Components of Net Servicing Income (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSKeyEconomicAssumptionsUsedInDeterminingFairValueAtTimeOfSaleOfLoansDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSKeyEconomicAssumptionsUsedInDeterminingFairValueAtTimeOfSaleOfLoansDetail">
        <link:definition>042350 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS - Key Economic Assumptions Used in Determining Fair Value at Time of Sale of Loans (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSWeightedAveragesOfKeyEconomicAssumptionsInValuationModelDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/NONCONSOLIDATEDVARIABLEINTERESTENTITIESVIEsANDSERVICINGASSETSWeightedAveragesOfKeyEconomicAssumptionsInValuationModelDetail">
        <link:definition>042400 - Disclosure - NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs) AND SERVICING ASSETS - Weighted-Averages of Key Economic Assumptions in Valuation Model (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEPOSITSSummaryOfDepositBalancesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEPOSITSSummaryOfDepositBalancesDetail">
        <link:definition>042425 - Disclosure - DEPOSITS - Summary of Deposit Balances (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseDetail">
        <link:definition>042600 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS) - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>042650 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS) - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementMaturityDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementMaturityDetail">
        <link:definition>042700 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS) - Schedule of Repurchase Agreement Maturity (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSRepurchaseAgreementsGroupedByCounterpartyDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSRepurchaseAgreementsGroupedByCounterpartyDetail">
        <link:definition>042750 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS) - Repurchase Agreements Grouped by Counterparty (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBSummaryOfAdvancesFromFHLBDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBSummaryOfAdvancesFromFHLBDetail">
        <link:definition>042800 - Disclosure - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB) - Summary of Advances from FHLB (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBSummaryOfAdvancesFromFHLBParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBSummaryOfAdvancesFromFHLBParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>042850 - Disclosure - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB) - Summary of Advances from FHLB (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBAdvancesFromFHLBMatureDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBAdvancesFromFHLBMatureDetail">
        <link:definition>042900 - Disclosure - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB) - Advances from FHLB Mature (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureADVANCESFROMTHEFEDERALHOMELOANBANKFHLBAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>042950 - Disclosure - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB) - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGSComponentsOfOtherBorrowingsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGSComponentsOfOtherBorrowingsDetail">
        <link:definition>043500 - Disclosure - OTHER LONG-TERM BORROWINGS - Components of Other Borrowings (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGSComponentsOfOtherBorrowingsParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERLONGTERMBORROWINGSComponentsOfOtherBorrowingsParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>043550 - Disclosure - OTHER LONG-TERM BORROWINGS - Components of Other Borrowings (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_STOCKHOLDERSEQUITYAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043750 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureINCOMETAXESAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureINCOMETAXESAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>044000 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFAIRVALUEAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>044220 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_FAIRVALUEAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFAIRVALUEAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail">
        <link:definition>044250 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFAIRVALUEFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetail">
        <link:definition>044400 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisUsingSignificantUnobservableInputsLevel3Detail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFAIRVALUEAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisUsingSignificantUnobservableInputsLevel3Detail">
        <link:definition>044450 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEImpairmentOfValuationAdjustmentsWereRecordedForAssetsRecognizedAtFairValueDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFAIRVALUEImpairmentOfValuationAdjustmentsWereRecordedForAssetsRecognizedAtFairValueDetail">
        <link:definition>044500 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Impairment of Valuation Adjustments were Recorded for Assets Recognized at Fair Value (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEQualitativeInformationRegardingFairValueMeasurementsForLevel3FinancialInstrumentsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FAIRVALUEQualitativeInformationRegardingFairValueMeasurementsForLevel3FinancialInstrumentsDetail">
        <link:definition>044480 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Qualitative Information Regarding Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Financial Instruments (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEFairValueDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFAIRVALUEFairValueDetail">
        <link:definition>044650 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Fair Value (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_SUPPLEMENTALSTATEMENTOFCASHFLOWINFORMATIONSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SUPPLEMENTALSTATEMENTOFCASHFLOWINFORMATIONSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>044750 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SEGMENTINFORMATIONAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>044680 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONInformationAboutReportableSegmentsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SEGMENTINFORMATIONInformationAboutReportableSegmentsDetail">
        <link:definition>044681 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Information about Reportable Segments (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONReconciliationOfReportableSegmentFinancialInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SEGMENTINFORMATIONReconciliationOfReportableSegmentFinancialInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>044682 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Financial Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>045000 - Disclosure - REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformationStatementsOfFinancialConditionDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DisclosureFIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformationStatementsOfFinancialConditionDetail">
        <link:definition>045300 - Disclosure - FIRST BANCORP. (Holding Company Only) Financial Information - Statements of Financial Condition (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_FIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformationStatementsOfIncomeDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FIRSTBANCORPHoldingCompanyOnlyFinancialInformationStatementsOfIncomeDetail">
        <link:definition>045350 - Disclosure - FIRST BANCORP. (Holding Company Only) Financial Information - Statements of Income (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureBASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESPolicies" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESPolicies">
        <link:definition>020000 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureEMPLOYEEBENEFITPLANS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EMPLOYEEBENEFITPLANS">
        <link:definition>010025 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureINCOMETAXESTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/INCOMETAXESTables">
        <link:definition>030028 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESTables">
        <link:definition>030035 - Disclosure - REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESAggregateAmortizedCostAndMarketValueOfTheSecuritiesByIssuersWhenTheAggregateAmortizedCostOfTheSucuritiesOfSuchIssuersExceed10OfTheCorporationsStockholdersEquityDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESAggregateAmortizedCostAndMarketValueOfTheSecuritiesByIssuersWhenTheAggregateAmortizedCostOfTheSucuritiesOfSuchIssuersExceed10OfTheCorporationsStockholdersEquityDetail">
        <link:definition>040370 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Aggregate amortized cost and market value of the securities by issuers when the aggregate amortized cost of the sucurities of such issuers exceed 10% of the Corporation's stockholders' equity (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEPOSITSNarrativesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEPOSITSNarrativesDetail">
        <link:definition>042420 - Disclosure - DEPOSITS - Narratives (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEPOSITSInterestExpensesOnDepositsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEPOSITSInterestExpensesOnDepositsDetail">
        <link:definition>042525 - Disclosure - DEPOSITS - Interest Expenses on deposits (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSNarrativesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/SECURITIESSOLDUNDERAGREEMENTSTOREPURCHASEREPURCHASEAGREEMENTSNarrativesDetail">
        <link:definition>042575 - Disclosure - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS) - Narratives (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureINCOMETAXESSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/INCOMETAXESSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>044150 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES- Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESRegulatoryCapitalPositionsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESRegulatoryCapitalPositionsDetail">
        <link:definition>045001 - Disclosure - REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES - Regulatory capital positions (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanPortfolioHeldForInvestmentParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTLoanPortfolioHeldForInvestmentParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>040610 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Loan Portfolio Held for Investment (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureOTHERREALESTATEOWNEDTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERREALESTATEOWNEDTables">
        <link:definition>030011 - Disclosure - OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureOTHERREALESTATEOWNEDOtherRealEstateOwnedDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERREALESTATEOWNEDOtherRealEstateOwnedDetail">
        <link:definition>041955 - Disclosure - OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED- Other real estate owned (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureOTHERREALESTATEOWNEDAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERREALESTATEOWNEDAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>041956 - Disclosure - OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED- Additional information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureOTHERREALESTATEOWNED" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/OTHERREALESTATEOWNED">
        <link:definition>010011 - Disclosure - OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESInvestmentSecuritiesHeldToMaturityDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESInvestmentSecuritiesHeldToMaturityDetail">
        <link:definition>040380 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Investment Securities Held to Maturity (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureGOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESAmortizationExpenseDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINTANGIBLESAmortizationExpenseDetail">
        <link:definition>042052 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Amortization Expense (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEPOSITSCertificatesOfDepositsMatureDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEPOSITSCertificatesOfDepositsMatureDetail">
        <link:definition>042427 - Disclosure - DEPOSITS - Certificates of Deposits Mature (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESInvestmentsSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESInvestmentsSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDetail">
        <link:definition>040385 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - Investments Securities Held to Maturity (Securities in continuous unrealized loss position) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureACCUMULATEDOTHERCOMPREHENSIVELOSSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ACCUMULATEDOTHERCOMPREHENSIVELOSSTables">
        <link:definition>030024 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERSTables">
        <link:definition>030031 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_REVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERS">
        <link:definition>010033 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureACCUMULATEDOTHERCOMPREHENSIVELOSS" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ACCUMULATEDOTHERCOMPREHENSIVELOSS">
        <link:definition>010024 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASESCarryingAmountOfPortfoliosDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASESCarryingAmountOfPortfoliosDetail">
        <link:definition>041845 - Disclosure - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LEASES - Carrying Amount of Portfolios (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureACCUMULATEDOTHERCOMPREHENSIVELOSSChangeInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossByComponentDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ACCUMULATEDOTHERCOMPREHENSIVELOSSChangeInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossByComponentDetail">
        <link:definition>043770 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERSDisaggregationOfRevenueDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERSDisaggregationOfRevenueDetail">
        <link:definition>044660 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenue (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONRestrictedStockAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONRestrictedStockAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043711 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONPerformanceUnitsAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONPerformanceUnitsAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043714 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Performance Units - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESSummaryOfCommitmentsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REGULATORYMATTERSCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESSummaryOfCommitmentsDetail">
        <link:definition>045002 - Disclosure - REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES - Summary of Commitments (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_StatementCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical">
        <link:definition>000705 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureREVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERSActivityOfContractLiabilityDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/REVENUEFROMCONTRACTSWITHCUSTOMERSActivityOfContractLiabilityDetail">
        <link:definition>044671 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Activity of Contract Liability (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsCommercialAndConstructionLoansByPortfolioClassesAndByOriginationYearBasedOnTheInternalCreditRiskCategoryDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsCommercialAndConstructionLoansByPortfolioClassesAndByOriginationYearBasedOnTheInternalCreditRiskCategoryDetail">
        <link:definition>040900 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Corporation's Commercial and Construction Loans by Portfolio Classes and by Origination Year Based on the Internal Credit Risk Category (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsResidentialMortgageLoansByOriginationYearBasedOnAccrualStatusDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsResidentialMortgageLoansByOriginationYearBasedOnAccrualStatusDetail">
        <link:definition>040925 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Corporation's Residential Mortgage Loans By Origination Year Based on Accrual Status (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsConsumerLoansByOriginationYearBasedOnAccrualStatusDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCorporationsConsumerLoansByOriginationYearBasedOnAccrualStatusDetail">
        <link:definition>040975 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Corporation's Consumer Loans by Origination Year Based on Accrual Status (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCollateralDependentLoansIndividuallyEvaluatedForPurposesOfDeterminingTheACLDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTCollateralDependentLoansIndividuallyEvaluatedForPurposesOfDeterminingTheACLDetail">
        <link:definition>040980 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Collateral Dependent Loans Individually Evaluated For Purposes of Determining the ACL (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELOSSESActivityInACLOnLoansAndFinanceLeasesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELOSSESActivityInACLOnLoansAndFinanceLeasesDetail">
        <link:definition>041800 - Disclosure - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LOSSES - Activity in ACL on loans and finance leases (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELOSSESActivityInACLForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndStandbyLettersOfCreditDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELOSSESActivityInACLForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndStandbyLettersOfCreditDetail">
        <link:definition>041860 - Disclosure - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LOSSES - Activity in ACL for unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASES" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/ALLOWANCEFORCREDITLOSSESFORLOANSANDFINANCELEASES">
        <link:definition>010009 - Disclosure - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LEASES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESACLForDebtSecuritiesAvailableforSaleDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESACLForDebtSecuritiesAvailableforSaleDetail">
        <link:definition>040360 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - ACL for Debt Securities Available-for-Sale (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureDEBTSECURITIESACLOnDebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/DEBTSECURITIESACLOnDebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityDetail">
        <link:definition>040390 - Disclosure - DEBT SECURITIES - ACL on Debt Securities Held-To-Maturity (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_EMPLOYEEBENEFITPLANSComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EMPLOYEEBENEFITPLANSComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitDetail">
        <link:definition>043820 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureEMPLOYEEBENEFITPLANSTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EMPLOYEEBENEFITPLANSTables">
        <link:definition>030025 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONPerformanceUnitsPerformanceUnitActivityDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONPerformanceUnitsPerformanceUnitActivityDetail">
        <link:definition>043715 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Performance Units - Performance Unit Activity (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONOtherAwardsAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONOtherAwardsAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043716 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Other Awards - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYCommonStockDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKHOLDERSEQUITYCommonStockDetail">
        <link:definition>043760 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Common Stock (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_STOCKHOLDERSEQUITYCommonStockParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKHOLDERSEQUITYCommonStockParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>043761 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Common Stock (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTables" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTables">
        <link:definition>030023 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONTreasuryStockAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONTreasuryStockAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043718 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Treasury Stock - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONRestrictedStockActivityUnderOmnibusPlanParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONRestrictedStockActivityUnderOmnibusPlanParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>043713 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Activity Under Omnibus Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureBASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsDetail">
        <link:definition>040012 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Adoption of new Accounting Pronouncements (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureEARNINGSPERCOMMONSHAREAdditionalInformationDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/EARNINGSPERCOMMONSHAREAdditionalInformationDetail">
        <link:definition>043705 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTreasurySharesDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTreasurySharesDetail">
        <link:definition>043765 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Treasury Shares (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTFinancialEffectsOfThePermanentModificationsGrantedToBorrowersExperiencingFinancialDifficultyDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTFinancialEffectsOfThePermanentModificationsGrantedToBorrowersExperiencingFinancialDifficultyDetail">
        <link:definition>041410 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Financial Effects of the Permanent Modifications Granted to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureLOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTPerformanceOfLoansModifiedDuringPeriodDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/LOANSHELDFORINVESTMENTPerformanceOfLoansModifiedDuringPeriodDetail">
        <link:definition>041420 - Disclosure - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - Performance of Loans Modified During Period (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureSTOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONSummaryOfValuationAssumptionsDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/STOCKBASEDCOMPENSATIONSummaryOfValuationAssumptionsDetail">
        <link:definition>043717 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Summary of Valuation Assumptions (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_DisclosureFAIRVALUEFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisParentheticalDetail" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/FAIRVALUEFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisParentheticalDetail">
        <link:definition>044401 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ELRID_InsiderTradingArrangements" roleURI="http://www.firstbankpr.com/role/InsiderTradingArrangements">
        <link:definition>045360 - Disclosure - Insider Trading Arrangements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="fbp-20230630_lab.xml" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef"></link:linkbaseRef>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="fbp-20230630_pre.xml" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef"></link:linkbaseRef>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="fbp-20230630_cal.xml" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef"></link:linkbaseRef>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="fbp-20230630_def.xml" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef"></link:linkbaseRef>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31/types.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023/stpr-2023.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023/ecd-2023.xsd"></xs:import>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AcquiredEquityInterestOnDisposalOfLoansHeldForSale" nillable="true" name="AcquiredEquityInterestOnDisposalOfLoansHeldForSale" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AmortizationOfBrokerPlacementFees" nillable="true" name="AmortizationOfBrokerPlacementFees" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AmortizationOfPremiumsAndDiscountsOnDeferredLoanFeesAndCosts" nillable="true" name="AmortizationOfPremiumsAndDiscountsOnDeferredLoanFeesAndCosts" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_BrokeredCertificatesOfDepositMaturityTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="BrokeredCertificatesOfDepositMaturityTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CashPaidAbstract" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CashPaidAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ConsolidatedAverageAssets" nillable="true" name="ConsolidatedAverageAssets" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ConventionalNonConformingMortgageLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="ConventionalNonConformingMortgageLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CpgGsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CpgGsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DepositsLineItems" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="DepositsLineItems" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DepositsTable" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="DepositsTable" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DirectNonInterestExpenses" nillable="true" name="DirectNonInterestExpenses" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FirstBankMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FirstBankMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_InvestmentInBankingSubsidiaryMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="InvestmentInBankingSubsidiaryMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LegalSurplusReserveRate" nillable="true" name="LegalSurplusReserveRate" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MediumTermLoanPrincipalOutstandingAmount" nillable="true" name="MediumTermLoanPrincipalOutstandingAmount" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PercentageOfDebtSecuritiesGovernmentAndGovernmentSponsoredAgencies" nillable="true" name="PercentageOfDebtSecuritiesGovernmentAndGovernmentSponsoredAgencies" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MortgageServicingRightsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MortgageServicingRightsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NetChargeCreditForTransferOfFunds" nillable="true" name="NetChargeCreditForTransferOfFunds" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NetLossOnRealEstateOwnedOperations" nillable="true" name="NetLossOnRealEstateOwnedOperations" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NoncashLoanSecuritizations" nillable="true" name="NoncashLoanSecuritizations" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NumberOfCorporateBondsCollateralizedUnderDebtObligation" nillable="true" name="NumberOfCorporateBondsCollateralizedUnderDebtObligation" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OmnibusPlanMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OmnibusPlanMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSale" nillable="true" name="OtherInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSale" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherRealEstateOwnedMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OtherRealEstateOwnedMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PaymentToBeMadeOnProRataBasis" nillable="true" name="PaymentToBeMadeOnProRataBasis" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PercentageOfPriorityInterestToBeReceivedOnInvestedCapital" nillable="true" name="PercentageOfPriorityInterestToBeReceivedOnInvestedCapital" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PercentageOfVariationInAssumptions" nillable="true" name="PercentageOfVariationInAssumptions" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FairValueAdjustmentInEarningsPrepaidDebt" nillable="true" name="FairValueAdjustmentInEarningsPrepaidDebt" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueForItemsMeasuredAtFairValuePursuantToElectionOfFairValueOptionTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueForItemsMeasuredAtFairValuePursuantToElectionOfFairValueOptionTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfComponentsOfNetServicingIncomeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfComponentsOfNetServicingIncomeTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherShortTermBorrowingsLineItems" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherShortTermBorrowingsLineItems" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherShortTermBorrowingsTable" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherShortTermBorrowingsTable" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SegmentReportingInformationAverageAssetsAbstract" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SegmentReportingInformationAverageAssetsAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SegmentReportingInformationAverageEarningAssets" nillable="true" name="SegmentReportingInformationAverageEarningAssets" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SegmentReportingInformationAverageNonEarningAssets" nillable="true" name="SegmentReportingInformationAverageNonEarningAssets" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherExpenseNotAllocated" nillable="true" name="OtherExpenseNotAllocated" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_StatutoryTrustOneMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="StatutoryTrustOneMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_StatutoryTrustTwoMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="StatutoryTrustTwoMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ConservationBuffer" nillable="true" name="ConservationBuffer" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NonBankingSubsidiaryMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="NonBankingSubsidiaryMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_BrokeredCertificateOfDepositsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="BrokeredCertificateOfDepositsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoGovernmentObligationsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoGovernmentObligationsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrincipalRepaymentsAndAmortization" nillable="true" name="PrincipalRepaymentsAndAmortization" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FdicMaximumInsuredAmount" nillable="true" name="FdicMaximumInsuredAmount" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansHeldForSaleMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LoansHeldForSaleMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NatureOfBusinessPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="NatureOfBusinessPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ServicingAssetsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ServicingAssetsPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TreasuryStockPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="TreasuryStockPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RepurchaseAgreementAverageBalanceOutstanding" nillable="true" name="RepurchaseAgreementAverageBalanceOutstanding" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_QualifyingMortgageCollateralWithMarketValueHigherThanOutstandingAdvances" nillable="true" name="QualifyingMortgageCollateralWithMarketValueHigherThanOutstandingAdvances" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedNetLossOnReoValuation" nillable="true" name="DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedNetLossOnReoValuation" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferredTaxAssetsSettlementPaymentClosingAgreement" nillable="true" name="DeferredTaxAssetsSettlementPaymentClosingAgreement" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDifferencesBetweenAssignedValuesAndTaxBasesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecognizedInPurchaseBusinessCombinations" nillable="true" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDifferencesBetweenAssignedValuesAndTaxBasesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecognizedInPurchaseBusinessCombinations" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationNonRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" nillable="true" name="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationNonRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommercialLettersOfCreditMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CommercialLettersOfCreditMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfRevenuesAssetsLoansDepositByGeographyTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfRevenuesAssetsLoansDepositByGeographyTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ServicingPortfolio" nillable="true" name="ServicingPortfolio" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnamortizedBrokerPlacementFees" nillable="true" name="UnamortizedBrokerPlacementFees" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrepaidRepurchaseAgreementsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PrepaidRepurchaseAgreementsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansPledgedAsCollateralFairValue" nillable="true" name="LoansPledgedAsCollateralFairValue" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CallableRepurchaseAgreementsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CallableRepurchaseAgreementsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PublicCorporationsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PublicCorporationsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DepartmentOfTreasuryMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="DepartmentOfTreasuryMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Commonequitytier1capitaltoriskweightassetsratiopluscommonequitytier1capitalconservationbuffer" nillable="true" name="Commonequitytier1capitaltoriskweightassetsratiopluscommonequitytier1capitalconservationbuffer" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TotalTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioPlusCommonEquityTier1CapitalConservationBuffer" nillable="true" name="TotalTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioPlusCommonEquityTier1CapitalConservationBuffer" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PuertoRicoElectricPowerAuthorityMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PuertoRicoElectricPowerAuthorityMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfChangesInUnrealizedGainsLossesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfChangesInUnrealizedGainsLossesTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CreditAndDebitProcessingFees" nillable="true" name="CreditAndDebitProcessingFees" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LegalSurplusAmountAdditions" nillable="true" name="LegalSurplusAmountAdditions" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfOtherRealEstateAssetsAndForeclosedPropertiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfOtherRealEstateAssetsAndForeclosedPropertiesTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioCapitalAdequacy" nillable="true" name="CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioCapitalAdequacy" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TrustPreferredSecurtiesDiscount" nillable="true" name="TrustPreferredSecurtiesDiscount" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TrustPreferredSecuritiesWinningBid" nillable="true" name="TrustPreferredSecuritiesWinningBid" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PuertoRicoHousingFinanceAuthorityMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PuertoRicoHousingFinanceAuthorityMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OverdraftsPrearrangedLinesOfCredit" nillable="true" name="OverdraftsPrearrangedLinesOfCredit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TimeDepositMaturitiesNextThreeMonths" nillable="true" name="TimeDepositMaturitiesNextThreeMonths" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TimeDepositMaturitiesOverThreeMonthsToSixMonths" nillable="true" name="TimeDepositMaturitiesOverThreeMonthsToSixMonths" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TimeDepositMaturitiesOverSixMonthsToOneYear" nillable="true" name="TimeDepositMaturitiesOverSixMonthsToOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PersonalLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PersonalLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxWithinOneYear" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxWithinOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxWithinOneYear" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxWithinOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxAfterOneThroughFiveYears" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxAfterOneThroughFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxAfterOneThroughFiveYears" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxAfterOneThroughFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxAfterFiveThroughTenYears" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxAfterFiveThroughTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxAfterFiveThroughTenYears" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxAfterFiveThroughTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxAfterTenYears" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTaxAfterTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxAfterTenYears" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTaxAfterTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMaturityWeightedAverageYield" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMaturityWeightedAverageYield" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainAfterOneThroughFiveYears" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainAfterOneThroughFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossAfterOneThroughFiveYears" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossAfterOneThroughFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainAfterFiveThroughTenYears" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainAfterFiveThroughTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossAfterFiveThroughTenYears" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossAfterFiveThroughTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainAfterTenYears" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainAfterTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossAfterTenYears" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossAfterTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityMaturityWeightedAverageYield" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityMaturityWeightedAverageYield" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OtherLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrlpMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PrlpMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AccretionOfPremiumFromAcquisition" nillable="true" name="AccretionOfPremiumFromAcquisition" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CombinationOfInterestRateBelowMarketReductionAndExtendedMaturityMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CombinationOfInterestRateBelowMarketReductionAndExtendedMaturityMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrincipalAndOrInterestForgivenessMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PrincipalAndOrInterestForgivenessMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherLoanModificationsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OtherLoanModificationsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AbNoteRestructureWorkoutStrategyMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="AbNoteRestructureWorkoutStrategyMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueOneToThreeYears" nillable="true" name="FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueOneToThreeYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NonRedeemableMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="NonRedeemableMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ManagementAssumptionsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="ManagementAssumptionsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ConsumerRetailBankingSegmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="ConsumerRetailBankingSegmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommercialAndCorporateSegmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CommercialAndCorporateSegmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TreasuryAndInvestmentsSegmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="TreasuryAndInvestmentsSegmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnitedStatesOperationsSegmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UnitedStatesOperationsSegmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_VirginIslandsOperationsSegmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="VirginIslandsOperationsSegmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MerchantRelatedIncomeMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MerchantRelatedIncomeMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Notinscopeoftopic606memberMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Notinscopeoftopic606memberMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAggregateAmortizedCostBasisThatExceed10PercentOfStockholdersEquity" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAggregateAmortizedCostBasisThatExceed10PercentOfStockholdersEquity" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesThatExceed10PercentOfStockholdersEquity" nillable="true" name="AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesThatExceed10PercentOfStockholdersEquity" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Federalhomeloanbankadvancesmaturitiesduesixmonthstooneyear" nillable="true" name="Federalhomeloanbankadvancesmaturitiesduesixmonthstooneyear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DepositLiabilitiesCollateralIssuedFinancialInstrumentsMarketValue" nillable="true" name="DepositLiabilitiesCollateralIssuedFinancialInstrumentsMarketValue" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ServicingFeesIncome" nillable="true" name="ServicingFeesIncome" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FnmaFhlmcLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FnmaFhlmcLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RepurchaseOptionProgramMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="RepurchaseOptionProgramMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansTranferredToHeldForSaleMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LoansTranferredToHeldForSaleMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherTaxableDomesticCorporationsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OtherTaxableDomesticCorporationsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HoldingCompanyAndFirstManagementMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="HoldingCompanyAndFirstManagementMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UsviAndBviMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UsviAndBviMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinanceLeasesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FinanceLeasesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansForeclosureDelinquencyThreshold" nillable="true" name="LoansForeclosureDelinquencyThreshold" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_IndependentInstrumentalityMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="IndependentInstrumentalityMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoanRestructuringTrialModificationsPeriod" nillable="true" name="LoanRestructuringTrialModificationsPeriod" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableRemovedFromTroubledDebtRestructuringsClassification" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableRemovedFromTroubledDebtRestructuringsClassification" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MinimumPeriodToBeConsideredForLoanToHaveDefaulted" nillable="true" name="MinimumPeriodToBeConsideredForLoanToHaveDefaulted" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainWithinOneYear" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGainWithinOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossWithinOneYear" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLossWithinOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SecuritiessoldunderagreementstorepurchasematureoveroneyeartothreeyearsmemberMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SecuritiessoldunderagreementstorepurchasematureoveroneyeartothreeyearsmemberMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_IncreaseDeceaseDividendsPerShareDeclared" nillable="true" name="IncreaseDeceaseDividendsPerShareDeclared" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PuertoRicoBankingLawDescription" nillable="true" name="PuertoRicoBankingLawDescription" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueWithinOneMonth" nillable="true" name="FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueWithinOneMonth" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RepurchaseAgreementWeightedAverageInterestRateForYear" nillable="true" name="RepurchaseAgreementWeightedAverageInterestRateForYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_InterestBearingDomesticDepositBrokeredGreaterThan100000Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="InterestBearingDomesticDepositBrokeredGreaterThan100000Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_BaselIIIMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="BaselIIIMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TrustPreferredPurchasePricePercent" nillable="true" name="TrustPreferredPurchasePricePercent" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AdditionsToContractLiability" nillable="true" name="AdditionsToContractLiability" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FeesAndCommissionsIncomeDebitCards" nillable="true" name="FeesAndCommissionsIncomeDebitCards" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableDeferralPaymentNumberOfAgreements" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableDeferralPaymentNumberOfAgreements" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ExtraordinaryItemEventMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="ExtraordinaryItemEventMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PRAndVIMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PRAndVIMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LtvLessThanOrEqual90PercentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LtvLessThanOrEqual90PercentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Ltv91to100percentmemberMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Ltv91to100percentmemberMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Ltvgreaterthan100percentmemberMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Ltvgreaterthan100percentmemberMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FicoScoreLessThan620Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FicoScoreLessThan620Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Ficoscore620to679memberMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Ficoscore620to679memberMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Ficoscore680to739Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Ficoscore680to739Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FicoScoreGreaterThanOrEqual740Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FicoScoreGreaterThanOrEqual740Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SantanderMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SantanderMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CollateralDependentFinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" nillable="true" name="CollateralDependentFinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CollateralDependentFinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" nillable="true" name="CollateralDependentFinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CollateralDependentFinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedRecordedInvestment" nillable="true" name="CollateralDependentFinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedRecordedInvestment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_InterestExpenseFederalReserveBankAdvances" nillable="true" name="InterestExpenseFederalReserveBankAdvances" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesNetOfAllowanceForCreditLosses" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesNetOfAllowanceForCreditLosses" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnscorableMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UnscorableMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoanToValueCoveragePercentage" nillable="true" name="LoanToValueCoveragePercentage" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableINputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetMergerAdditions" nillable="true" name="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableINputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetMergerAdditions" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoanOriginations" nillable="true" name="LoanOriginations" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MainStreetLendingProgramMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MainStreetLendingProgramMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoanOriginationsNumberOfAgreements" nillable="true" name="LoanOriginationsNumberOfAgreements" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Section4013Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Section4013Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndOtherAssetsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="AllowanceForCreditLossesOnOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndOtherAssetsPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivablePurchaseWithCreditDeteriorationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivablePurchaseWithCreditDeteriorationTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PropertyTaxRevenueMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PropertyTaxRevenueMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MunicipalSpecialObligationBondMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MunicipalSpecialObligationBondMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMatureOverThreeYearsToFiveYearsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMatureOverThreeYearsToFiveYearsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityImpactNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" nillable="true" name="OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityImpactNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CreditLossesSubsequentUnrealizedGainOnDebtSecurities" nillable="true" name="CreditLossesSubsequentUnrealizedGainOnDebtSecurities" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CreditLossesSubsequentUnrealizedGainOnDebtSecuritiesTax" nillable="true" name="CreditLossesSubsequentUnrealizedGainOnDebtSecuritiesTax" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAdjustmentForProvisionForCreditLossTax" nillable="true" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAdjustmentForProvisionForCreditLossTax" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PensionAndPostretirementBenefitPlansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PensionAndPostretirementBenefitPlansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease" nillable="true" name="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNetPeriodIncreaseDecrease" nillable="true" name="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNetPeriodIncreaseDecrease" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWithinOneYear" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWithinOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossAfterOneThroughFiveYears" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossAfterOneThroughFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossAfterFiveThroughTenYears" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossAfterFiveThroughTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossAfterTenYears" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossAfterTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Provisionforothercreditlossesnopreviousexpectedcreditlosses" nillable="true" name="Provisionforothercreditlossesnopreviousexpectedcreditlosses" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossWithinOneYear" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossWithinOneYear" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossAfterOneThroughFiveYears" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossAfterOneThroughFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossAfterFiveThroughTenYears" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossAfterFiveThroughTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossAfterTenYears" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossAfterTenYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossImpactNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLossImpactNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationAndChangesInPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationAndChangesInPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption1" nillable="true" name="CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption1" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnrestrictedStockMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UnrestrictedStockMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssetsPlusCommonEquityTier1CapitalConservationBuffe" nillable="true" name="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssetsPlusCommonEquityTier1CapitalConservationBuffe" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PercentageOfIncreaseInACLAdjustedInCapitalMeasures" nillable="true" name="PercentageOfIncreaseInACLAdjustedInCapitalMeasures" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PayableOnUnsettledSecuritiesPurchases" nillable="true" name="PayableOnUnsettledSecuritiesPurchases" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets" nillable="true" name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PurchasesOfServicingAssets" nillable="true" name="PurchasesOfServicingAssets" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityPurchaseWithCreditDeteriorationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityPurchaseWithCreditDeteriorationTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableSignificantSalesBookValue" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableSignificantSalesBookValue" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EscrowDepositRelatedToLoansSold" nillable="true" name="EscrowDepositRelatedToLoansSold" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivablePercentOfBookValueBeforeReserves" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivablePercentOfBookValueBeforeReserves" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_BulkSaleOfNonaccrualLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="BulkSaleOfNonaccrualLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OneTimeChargeToProvision" nillable="true" name="OneTimeChargeToProvision" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PersonalLoansAndCreditCardLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PersonalLoansAndCreditCardLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNetPeriodIncreaseDecreasePercent" nillable="true" name="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNetPeriodIncreaseDecreasePercent" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchasefixedInterestRate" nillable="true" name="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchasefixedInterestRate" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OpenMarketMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OpenMarketMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrivateNegotiatedMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PrivateNegotiatedMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ReductionInRetainedEarningsFromPreferredStockLiquidation" nillable="true" name="ReductionInRetainedEarningsFromPreferredStockLiquidation" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_IncreaseDeceaseDividendsPerShareDeclaredPercent" nillable="true" name="IncreaseDeceaseDividendsPerShareDeclaredPercent" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NumberOfRedeemedPreferredStock" nillable="true" name="NumberOfRedeemedPreferredStock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPension" nillable="true" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPension" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferredTaxAssetDifferenceInPurchasePrice" nillable="true" name="DeferredTaxAssetDifferenceInPurchasePrice" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PastDue15MonthsDelinquentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PastDue15MonthsDelinquentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LessThanTwoPaymentsInArrearsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LessThanTwoPaymentsInArrearsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoanPortfolioMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LoanPortfolioMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ServicingFairValueRecognized" nillable="true" name="ServicingFairValueRecognized" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_InterestExpenseDepositsNoBrokerPlacementFees" nillable="true" name="InterestExpenseDepositsNoBrokerPlacementFees" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AccretionOfPremiumFromAcquisitions" nillable="true" name="AccretionOfPremiumFromAcquisitions" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_SixMonthsToOneYearMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="SixMonthsToOneYearMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_IncreaseInCashDividendDeclaredPercent" nillable="true" name="IncreaseInCashDividendDeclaredPercent" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ScheduleOfRepurchasesSharesTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ScheduleOfRepurchasesSharesTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MinimumPercentageOfBankNetTaxableIncomeForPayingIncomeTaxAtNormalRate" nillable="true" name="MinimumPercentageOfBankNetTaxableIncomeForPayingIncomeTaxAtNormalRate" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateEstimate1" nillable="true" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateEstimate1" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateEstimate2" nillable="true" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateEstimate2" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateExcludingDiscreteItems" nillable="true" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateExcludingDiscreteItems" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnsettledPurchasesOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" nillable="true" name="UnsettledPurchasesOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CeclAmountExcludedToBePhasedOnDuringAfterTwoYears" nillable="true" name="CeclAmountExcludedToBePhasedOnDuringAfterTwoYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommercialAndFinancialStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CommercialAndFinancialStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NewStockRepurchaseProgramMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="NewStockRepurchaseProgramMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MortgageBankingSegmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MortgageBankingSegmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_JpMorganChaseMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="JpMorganChaseMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CreditSuisseFirstBostonMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CreditSuisseFirstBostonMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CentralGovernmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="CentralGovernmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueThreeMonthsToSixMonths" nillable="true" name="FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueThreeMonthsToSixMonths" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OverallTotalMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OverallTotalMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UnsettledCommonStockShareRepurchases" nillable="true" name="UnsettledCommonStockShareRepurchases" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PreviousStockRepurchaseProgramMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PreviousStockRepurchaseProgramMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PreferredStockLiquidationValueDifferenceFromNetCarryingValue" nillable="true" name="PreferredStockLiquidationValueDifferenceFromNetCarryingValue" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RecognizedRevenueContingentCommissionIncomePaymentsConfirmedAndReleased" nillable="true" name="RecognizedRevenueContingentCommissionIncomePaymentsConfirmedAndReleased" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueOneToThreeMonths" nillable="true" name="FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueOneToThreeMonths" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EmployeesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="EmployeesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatio1" nillable="true" name="CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatio1" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioCapitalAdequacy1" nillable="true" name="CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioCapitalAdequacy1" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioWellCapitalized1" nillable="true" name="CommonEquityTier1CapitalToRiskWeightAssetsRatioWellCapitalized1" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AccruedInterestReceivableExcludedFromEstimateOfCreditLosses" nillable="true" name="AccruedInterestReceivableExcludedFromEstimateOfCreditLosses" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MbsAndGovernmentObligationsHeldByInternationalBankingEntitiesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MbsAndGovernmentObligationsHeldByInternationalBankingEntitiesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturityAccruedInterestReceivableExcludedFromEstimateOfCreditLosses" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturityAccruedInterestReceivableExcludedFromEstimateOfCreditLosses" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_WithinOneMonthMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="WithinOneMonthMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OverOneMonthToThreeMonthsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="OverOneMonthToThreeMonthsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueThreeToFiveYears" nillable="true" name="FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueThreeToFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansPledgedAsCollateralCarryingAmount" nillable="true" name="LoansPledgedAsCollateralCarryingAmount" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_StockRepurchasesProgramsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="StockRepurchasesProgramsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_BenefitRecognizedFromExpirationOfUncertainTaxPositionsAcquired" nillable="true" name="BenefitRecognizedFromExpirationOfUncertainTaxPositionsAcquired" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NaturalDisasterDeferralOrExtensionProgramMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="NaturalDisasterDeferralOrExtensionProgramMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferralOrExtensionAgreements" nillable="true" name="DeferralOrExtensionAgreements" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RedemptionOfPreferredStock" nillable="true" name="RedemptionOfPreferredStock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ChangeInAccountingMethodPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ChangeInAccountingMethodPolicyPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ClaimsArisingFromFhavaGovernmentGuaranteedResidentialMortgageLoansPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ClaimsArisingFromFhavaGovernmentGuaranteedResidentialMortgageLoansPolicyPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalReserveDiscountWindowMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FederalReserveDiscountWindowMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FhlbMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="FhlbMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ComponentsOfFinanceLeaseTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ComponentsOfFinanceLeaseTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AmountOfReserveReleasedAssociatedWithClassifiedLoans" nillable="true" name="AmountOfReserveReleasedAssociatedWithClassifiedLoans" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MaximumAggregateBalanceOfAdvancesFromTheFhlbOutstandingAtAnyMonthEndDuringPeriod" nillable="true" name="MaximumAggregateBalanceOfAdvancesFromTheFhlbOutstandingAtAnyMonthEndDuringPeriod" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FhlbForCollateralPurposesHaircutPercent" nillable="true" name="FhlbForCollateralPurposesHaircutPercent" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EstimatedValueOfUsGovernmentSponsoredAgenciesObligationsAndUsAgenciesMbsPledgedAsCollateralAmount" nillable="true" name="EstimatedValueOfUsGovernmentSponsoredAgenciesObligationsAndUsAgenciesMbsPledgedAsCollateralAmount" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ChangesInShareOfCommonStockTableTextBlock" nillable="true" name="ChangesInShareOfCommonStockTableTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAndEquitySecuritiesTotal" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAndEquitySecuritiesTotal" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CardAndProcessingIncome" nillable="true" name="CardAndProcessingIncome" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Year2023Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Year2023Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NetServicingIncomeOther" nillable="true" name="NetServicingIncomeOther" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareAbstract" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ResidentialPassThroughMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrhfaMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="ResidentialPassThroughMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrhfaMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAsCashAndCashEquivalents" nillable="true" name="HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAsCashAndCashEquivalents" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_NumberOfCriticizedLoansSold" nillable="true" name="NumberOfCriticizedLoansSold" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAociForProvisionForCreditLossOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" nillable="true" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAociForProvisionForCreditLossOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansPledgedIncludingCollateral" nillable="true" name="LoansPledgedIncludingCollateral" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableUnearnedIncome" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableUnearnedIncome" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LoansSoldMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LoansSoldMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsAndCapitalLossCarryforwards" nillable="true" name="DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsAndCapitalLossCarryforwards" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipmentNetOfImpairment" nillable="true" name="GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipmentNetOfImpairment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TransferToOtherRepossessedAssets" nillable="true" name="TransferToOtherRepossessedAssets" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_Year2023Through2027Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="Year2023Through2027Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_InterestExpenseFederalHomeLoanBankAndFederalReserveBankAdvancesAbstract" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="InterestExpenseFederalHomeLoanBankAndFederalReserveBankAdvancesAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_EliminationOfTheTdrRecognitionAndMeasurementGuidancePolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="EliminationOfTheTdrRecognitionAndMeasurementGuidancePolicyPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PaymentPlanMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PaymentPlanMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TrialModificationMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="TrialModificationMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsCorrelationCoefficient" nillable="true" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsCorrelationCoefficient" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AclAmountOfReserveIncrease" nillable="true" name="AclAmountOfReserveIncrease" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AclDecreaseFromLessFavorableEconomicOutlook" nillable="true" name="AclDecreaseFromLessFavorableEconomicOutlook" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AclOffsetByReserveDecrease" nillable="true" name="AclOffsetByReserveDecrease" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AclCumulativeIncreaseAmount" nillable="true" name="AclCumulativeIncreaseAmount" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RetailAndSmallBusinessMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="RetailAndSmallBusinessMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PowerAndGenerationIndustryMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PowerAndGenerationIndustryMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_MacroeconomicEnvironmentMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="MacroeconomicEnvironmentMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LeisureAndEntertainmentIndustryMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LeisureAndEntertainmentIndustryMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueOneToFiveYears" nillable="true" name="FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMaturitiesDueOneToFiveYears" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PermanentModificationMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PermanentModificationMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModificationIncreaseDecreaseFromModification" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModificationIncreaseDecreaseFromModification" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_ProceedsFromLegalSettlementInvestingActivities" nillable="true" name="ProceedsFromLegalSettlementInvestingActivities" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LondonInterbankOfferedRateTransitionPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" name="LondonInterbankOfferedRateTransitionPolicyPolicyTextBlock" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RiskExposureToUsdLiborMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="RiskExposureToUsdLiborMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_VariableRateCommercialAndConstructionLoansMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="VariableRateCommercialAndConstructionLoansMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UsAgenciesDebtSecuritiesAndPrivateLabelMbsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UsAgenciesDebtSecuritiesAndPrivateLabelMbsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrMunicipalitiesBondsHeldHtmDebtSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PrMunicipalitiesBondsHeldHtmDebtSecuritiesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_JuniorSubordinatedDebenturesOtherLongTermBorrowingsMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="JuniorSubordinatedDebenturesOtherLongTermBorrowingsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_TenorSpreadRateAdjustment" nillable="true" name="TenorSpreadRateAdjustment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_PrivateLabelMbsAndUsAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="PrivateLabelMbsAndUsAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_UsAgenciesMbsAndCmoMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="UsAgenciesMbsAndCmoMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_FinancingReceivableNumberOfLoansPurchased" nillable="true" name="FinancingReceivableNumberOfLoansPurchased" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_LiborMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="LiborMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_InvestmentInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAmountOfEquity" nillable="true" name="InvestmentInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAmountOfEquity" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_StockRepurchaseProgramAnnouncedJuly242023Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="StockRepurchaseProgramAnnouncedJuly242023Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_AccountingStandardUpdate201613Member" abstract="true" nillable="true" name="AccountingStandardUpdate201613Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_RestrictedStockForfeitedAdditionalPaidInCapitalAdjustment" nillable="true" name="RestrictedStockForfeitedAdditionalPaidInCapitalAdjustment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit"></xs:element>
  <xs:element id="fbp_CommonStockIssuedStockBasedCompensationPlanAdditionalPaidInCapitalAdjustment" nillable="true" name="CommonStockIssuedStockBasedCompensationPlanAdditionalPaidInCapitalAdjustment" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit"></xs:element>
</xs:schema>
