The future of financial literacy in the Philippines just got a significant boost, thanks to a dynamic two-day initiative by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in Bacolod City.
From April 29-30, 2025, over 1,700 students and educators, both in-person and virtually, immersed themselves in the intricacies of personal finance and national economic drivers during the BSP’s “Economic and Financial Learning Program for the Academe.”
The buzz on campus was palpable as participants from various schools gathered, eager to unlock the secrets to smarter financial decisions. This wasn’t just about balancing a checkbook; it was about empowering a generation to build secure, prosperous lives.
BSP and the power of informed choices
BSP Research Academy Principal Researcher, Dr. Faith Christian Q. Cacnio (center), responds to a question from student participants on the first day of the Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) for the Academe held in Bacolod City. Also in photo are moderators Veron P. Britanico (left) and Roannvi T. Villarojo (right).
BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat set the tone with a compelling opening message. “Smarter financial choices don’t just benefit you — they uplift your family, your community, and our country,” she emphasized.
Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the ripple effect of individual financial wisdom. “Economic and financial education helps us understand how the world works and how we can make it work for us. They help build lives that are grounded, secure, and free,” she added.
It’s a powerful vision, suggesting that financial literacy is a cornerstone for not just personal well-being, but for national progress.
Demystifying the economy
BSP Economic and Financial Learning Office (EFLO) Deputy Director Arnel Adrian C. Salva (middle) discusses the role of the BSP in the economy.
The sessions, led by experts like BSP Economic and Financial Learning Office (EFLO) Deputy Director Arnel Adrian C. Salva, delved into the multifaceted role of the BSP in the national economy. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how the central bank’s decisions directly influence their daily lives, from the price of goods to the interest on loans.
Discussions expertly navigated complex topics such as inflation, interest rates, and economic growth, illustrating their tangible impact on everyday financial choices.
One student from a local university remarked, “Before this, I just saw the BSP as this big, distant entity. Now I understand how their policies directly affect my family’s budget. It’s really eye-opening.”
Mastering personal finance
Student participants from colleges and universities in Bacolod City
Beyond understanding macroeconomic forces, the program equipped attendees with practical tools for personal financial management.
The sessions emphasized the crucial connection between personal financial behaviors—saving, borrowing, and spending — and their broader economic implications.
Participants learned the fundamentals of investment, explored the impact of inflation on their hard-earned money, and even delved into the basics of government instruments like Retail Treasury Bonds and Treasury Bills.
“I always thought investing was just for rich people,” shared a high school teacher attending the program. “But seeing how even small, consistent investments can grow over time, and understanding how government bonds work, has really changed my perspective. I feel more confident about planning for my future.”
A collaborative effort for a brighter future
BSP Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-sector (FINCESS) Managing Director Charina B. de Vera-Yap (front row, fourth from left) and EFLO Director Marianne M. Santos (sixth from left) join resource persons and student participants on Day 1 of the EFLP for the Academe
The success of the program was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the BSP. BSP Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-sector (FINCESS) Managing Director Charina B. de Vera-Yap and EFLO Director Marianne M. Santos were actively involved, joining resource persons and engaging with participants.
The program also benefited from the expertise of guest resource persons, including Mr. Ariel R. Moralba from the Bureau of the Treasury Negros Occidental Provincial Office, who provided valuable insights into government financial instruments.
The event wasn’t all lectures, though. Even educators from various colleges and universities were seen actively participating in energizer games, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
BSP Bacolod Branch Area Director Maria Jocelyn C. Ladero also played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the program, underscoring the local commitment to this nationwide initiative.
As Bacolod City takes these valuable lessons forward, the ripple effect of this financial literacy drive promises a more financially empowered and secure future for its academe and, by extension, the entire community.
