The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Education (DepEd), and BDO Foundation have solidified their partnership to enhance financial literacy among K-12 learners, teachers, and DepEd personnel.
Photo shows (from left:) BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, and BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito during the MoA-signing.
A memorandum of agreement formalizing this strengthened collaboration was signed last January 8, 2025, during a courtesy meeting at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City. Present at the MOA-signing were BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, and BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito.
This initiative builds upon previous collaborative efforts between the three organizations, notably the development and dissemination of financial literacy learning resources for public schools nationwide. These resources, which include educational videos, lesson plans, and discussion guides, cover crucial topics such as savings, budgeting, and entrepreneurship.
They are designed to be integrated seamlessly into the K-12 curriculum, reaching students from Kindergarten through elementary levels.
BSP‘s financial literacy program gain support from Deed
Secretary Angara emphasized the DepEd’s commitment to maximizing the impact of the program. He pledged to intensify the dissemination of the learning materials, particularly the lesson exemplars and videos, ensuring they reach both learners and teachers across the country.
This renewed focus on dissemination aims to equip students with essential financial skills early in their lives, setting the stage for future financial well-being.
In October last year, the central bank also issued an announcement saying that banking institutions could play a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion across the Philippines as the BSP and its Financial Inclusion Steering Committee (FISC) unveil a new digital platform designed to bring essential financial services to underserved communities.
The foundation of this enhanced collaboration lies in previously developed materials, as formalized by DepEd Memo No. 32, Series of 2019, issued by former Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. This memo announced the dissemination of the financial literacy resources to all public schools nationwide. The resources are strategically integrated into various subjects, ensuring a holistic approach to financial education.
For Kindergarten pupils, the learning materials focus on the fundamental concepts of saving and the value of money. In Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies), students learn about saving and responsible spending by distinguishing between needs and wants. Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (Values Education) lessons explore the importance of hard work and resourcefulness in generating income. Mathematics classes incorporate budgeting and financial planning, providing students with practical tools for managing their finances.
These resources are readily accessible to teachers and trainers through DepEd’s online learning portal, facilitating their integration into classroom instruction. This online accessibility ensures that educators have the necessary tools to effectively deliver financial literacy education to their students.
BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito highlighted the importance of early financial education. “The financial education videos, lesson plans, and discussion guides developed by the foundation, BSP, and DepEd encourage students to learn effective ways to manage their money early on in their lives,” Deriquito stated. He also emphasized the collaborative nature of the project and acknowledged the crucial role of teachers in mentoring the youth.
“With the support of our dear teachers — our partners in mentoring the youth — we hope to share lessons on money matters with young Filipinos to help them achieve financial independence when they grow older,” Deriquito concluded.
This collaborative effort between the BSP, DepEd, and BDO Foundation underscores their shared commitment to empowering young Filipinos with the knowledge and skills necessary for a secure financial future. By integrating financial literacy into the K-12 curriculum, they are laying the groundwork for a generation of financially responsible citizens.
The strengthened partnership also promises to expand the reach and impact of this vital program, ensuring that more students have access to quality financial education.