by Alexis Tuble, Correspondent
The nation is once again focusing on a crucial aspect of its economic future as Savings Consciousness Week (SCW) gets underway from June 30 to July 6, 2025. This year’s theme “Kapag ipon ang inuna, ginhawa ang bunga” (When savings come first, it can only bring comfort) serves as a powerful reminder for Filipinos: making financial preparedness a priority isn’t just a good idea, it’s a pathway to well-being.
Declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 380, Series of 1994 was signed on May 15, 1994, the SCW is now in its 31st year. This enduring initiative continues to gain momentum as more institutions and individuals recognize the value of financial literacy and preparedness in shaping the nation’s destiny.
With the persistent rise in the cost of living and growing global economic uncertainties, saving is no longer merely a choice — it has become an essential tool for survival, stability, and growth in an increasingly complex world.
Spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the observance aims to do more than just awareness. It seeks to actively educate and empower citizens to form responsible saving habits, especially crucial in an economic environment constantly reshaped by inflation, rapid digitalization, and the evolving needs of Filipino families.
While saving is often narrowly defined as simply setting aside money, this year’s campaign elevates the concept. It emphasizes the profound value of savings as a fundamental mindset and a disciplined practice – a proactive move toward establishing not just financial comfort, but also confidence and security in an uncertain future.
Banks join the forefront, empowering every Filipino’s savings journey
The BSP’s initiatives are supported by major financial institutions across the country. Leading banks, including the Philippine National Bank (PNB), BDO Unibank, Security Bank, Metrobank, EastWest Bank, and Landbank of the Philippines, are actively participating in this year’s SCW. They’re deploying promotional efforts, allocating financial resources, and offering diverse savings options designed to help Filipinos confidently begin and maintain their savings journey.
PNB, for instance, is reinforcing the message that “every small step toward saving is a big step toward building your future.” The bank is actively promoting accessible financial solutions, from basic savings accounts that are easy to open, to innovative mobile apps that simplify spending tracking and encourage regular deposits.
Meanwhile, Metrobank has highlighted the importance of owning a bank account as the foundational first step toward disciplined savings. They acknowledge that achieving this goal requires significant patience and hard work.“ Apart from earning interest, having a bank account gives us access to features that allow us to manage our money better,” Metrobank said in a press release, underscoring the tangible benefits beyond mere deposit storage.
Among the primary features they advocate are seamless payment capabilities, which enable customers to easily send and receive payments over secure digital platforms. The system also includes automatic recording and tracking of financial transactions, meticulously eliminating the need for tedious human entry and helping users maintain financial organization. It also provides automatic bill settlement and planned loan repayments, ensuring timely payments and reducing the risk of missed deadlines. These advances, alongside a variety of other smart technologies, are intended to simplify personal financial management, making it less daunting and improving overall user convenience.
“Learning to use these features and how they fit into your financial plans will enable meaningful growth for your money,” Metrobank added, emphasizing the educational aspect of modern banking tools.
Shifting the narrative: From precarity to empowerment
Financial literacy remains a challenge in the Philippines, where, according to past surveys, a number of households still operate precariously, living paycheck to paycheck without a substantial financial buffer. SCW attempts to shift that narrative, demonstrating that saving – even in small increments – is not only attainable but immensely valuable for everyone.
To amplify this vital message and foster a nationwide conversation, the official hashtags #SavingsConsciousnessWeek2025 and #SCWeek2025 are actively being promoted. These hashtags are designed to spark a dialogue and encourage individuals to share their own saving stories, practical budgeting tips, and personal savings goals online.
Social media, in this context, transforms into a dynamic forum for encouragement, mutual support, and shared learning.
With the unwavering support of the entire banking sector and the collective commitment of the Filipino people, the BSP is hoping that this week-long observance will not only inspire immediate action to save but also promote a lifestyle change – a habit of financial discipline and foresight that will persist far beyond July 6, shaping a more secure and prosperous future for all.
