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Practical money management habits freelancers can adopt to stay in control of their finances

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines – Every year, as the country celebrates Labor Day, there’s a renewed appreciation for the hard work of Filipinos across different sectors. But it also brings up an increasingly familiar reality: many of the challenges Filipinos face today revolve around delayed payments, platforms charging high fees, and fluctuating forex rates, which even seasoned freelancers experience daily as they stress over making sure they have enough for their needs. 

For seasoned freelancers and finance coaches, Chelsea Dy and JZ Cerezo, being smarter with managing money starts with knowing what to do in any given situation. Here are three lessons they’ve learned over the years, along with practical, real-world tips for those just starting as freelancers.

  1. Build your budget based on your lowest income month

A practical approach to budgeting starts with accounting for all your fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and food, and making sure that’s all covered. Then set funds aside for your emergency fund. The general rule of thumb is to set aside enough to cover three to six months of expenses.

“In my first few years, I would earn money and then lose it just as fast because of lifestyle inflation. That cycle repeated multiple times until I realized I needed to track everything about my expenses, savings, and priorities”, says JZ. “It [budgeting] made me more aware and more intentional with my money. Now, every time I get paid, I already know where my money should go, and that alone made a huge difference in my income and savings.”

On her TikTok and Instagram channels, Chelsea also shares practical tips for freelancers who are starting out

Chelsea adds that juggling multiple clients makes tracking even more crucial. “It has made me much more intentional with cash flow. I’m now more aware of which platforms give me better flexibility, which ones eat too much into my income, and how I can separate money that’s for spending, saving, or investing,” she explains.

  1. Pay attention to where your money is quietly being lost

JZ recalls a time in his career when this became a significant problem. “Before, I had 3 to 4 clients, and each one used a different platform. That meant more time, more attention, and more variables to manage, especially with different fees, processing times, and even occasional platform issues.” This made it challenging for him to track his money and records, and he had to account for multiple fees, which, when he reviewed them at the end of the month, really added up and made him realize how much he was quickly losing.

Over the years, JZ has seen the need for freelancers to be responsible and intentional about their finances

“I think many freelancers overlook these charges because, at the start, they’re just focused on earning. And sometimes, they feel like they don’t have better options, so they just live with it,” he explains. JZ warns that this may be a normal experience, especially for those just starting, but it doesn’t mean you should settle. It’s important to do your research and keep track of when you’re being paid and when you encounter losses. 

  1. Switch to a platform that has your best interests in mind

Sticking to one convenient platform that works in your favor becomes less of a preference and more of a necessity for freelancers looking to manage their income more effectively. This is why Chelsea and JZ decided to create a GCash Virtual US Account.

The GCash Virtual US Account makes it easier to receive and manage your USD funds. Once you create your account on the GCash app, you will have your own ACH and Wire Routing Number that you can send to your US clients. You can also choose to convert your US Dollars to Philippine Peso, depending on when it’s most favorable for you, as you track live forex rates on the platform. 

Once your payment is in your GCash account, you can use your funds to pay your bills, use them for your other expenses, or to grow your savings. With the GCash Virtual US account, you can take better control of your cash flow and make sure that you always have funds ready for your everyday needs.

Creating a GCash Virtual US Account is easy in just a few steps.

  1. Open the GCash app. Tap US Accounts in the Explore the App section
  2. Tap Continue and verify your information
  3. Complete your account creation
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Business

New 4As Philippines board takes oath, sets 2026 agenda to future-proof PH advertising industry

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE ASSOCIATION of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) formally inducted its 2026–2027 Board of Trustees during its First General Membership Meeting (GMM) held at the Gallardo Jr. Ballroom of Makati Diamond Residences on March 3.

Leading the organization for the new term are Chairman Ronald Barreiro, Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Creative Philippines, and President Ricky Gonzales, Managing Partner/Creative of Over The Moon Communications.

Also serving the organization are Vice President Mike Garcia, Managing Director of Ogilvy Manila; Board Secretary Janlo Cui, Business Director of Havas Ortega; Treasurer Martin De Guzman, Managing Director of Elevation; and Controller Mitzie Lim-Nacianceno, VP-Managing Partner of McCann Worldgroup.

Completing the nine-member Board are Trustees Paolo Broma, Chief Marketing Officer of TBWA\SMP; Henson Wongaiham, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Ad Hoc Marketing; and Karen Go, General Manager of BBDO Guerrero.

The Board was sworn in by Robert Labayen, Head of Creative Communication Management at ABS-CBN, who also delivered the keynote address.

Planning for change with purpose

In his keynote speech, Labayen emphasized the need to plan for change—even in good times—and to make difficult decisions to remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry. He shared ABS-CBN’s enduring vision to serve the Filipino people with purpose and meaning, highlighting the importance of making the organization a platform for Filipino storytelling and a home for the country’s best creative talent.

He underscored humility and collaboration as critical leadership values, encouraging agencies to recognize collective contributions and treat audiences as partners in navigating the shifting media landscape.

Steering a clear path for 2026

In his address, 4As Philippines’ incoming President Ricky Gonzales outlined the 2026 Plan of Action of the Board of Trustees, anchored on three key priorities: ensuring the sustainability of the industry, attracting more students to pursue careers in advertising, and strengthening engagement with member agencies.

Gonzales emphasized the importance of investing in young talent through structured training programs and lectures, including upskilling initiatives in artificial intelligence and creativity. He also highlighted the need to review and refine the industry’s pitch policy to better protect and support agencies in a competitive environment.

Recognizing the changing nature of the industry, he called for modernizing the community feel of Philippine advertising—fostering a more collaborative, inclusive, and forward-looking ecosystem while working harmoniously with partner organizations.

“Kaya Pa”: Leading the industry’s sustainable growth

4As Philippines’ incoming Chairman Ronald Barreiro, in his speech, acknowledged the real pressures confronting agencies today—from AI-driven disruption and shifting business models to tightening margins and organizational restructuring.

Reflecting on the question often heard across the industry—“Kaya pa ba?”—Barreiro delivered a message of confidence and resolve. The Board will continue the theme “Creativity Means Business,” expanding it to focus not only on growth, but on sustainable and resilient growth.

He stressed that creativity must be matched with commercial discipline, financial literacy, and strong leadership to ensure that Philippine agencies remain competitive and respected in the years to come. More importantly, he underscored the responsibility of today’s leaders to prepare the next generation—mentoring intentionally, strengthening business acumen, and building organizations that endure.

“The challenges are real,” Barreiro shared, “but so are we. Together, we will navigate them, grow from them, and leave an industry stronger than we found it.”

With renewed leadership and a defined roadmap, 4As Philippines enters 2026 focused on capability-building, collaboration, and future-proofing the local advertising industry.

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Featured

InLife and SeaFam partner to advance financial wellness for seafarers and their families

by Contributor
written by Contributor

InLife and SeaFam partnership for financial education and protection. InLife President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua seals the partnership with SeaFam Chairperson Arriane Blanche Rocha. Witnessing the agreement are SeaFam Treasurer Miguel Angel Rocha (extreme left) and InLife@Work Head and Chief Risk Officer Efren C. Caringal Jr. (extreme right).

First and largest Filipino life insurer InLife and Seafaring Family International  (SeaFam) has entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen financial education and access to protection solutions for the Filipino seafaring community.

The collaboration brings together InLife’s financial expertise and SeaFam’s strong community network to deliver financial literacy initiatives, guidance sessions, and access to insurance solutions designed to support the long-term well-being of seafarers’ families. The partnership also includes complimentary coverage for select eligible SeaFam members through InLife’s digital insurance platform.

“At InLife, our purpose is to provide a Lifetime for Good by helping Filipinos build security for today and the years ahead. Through our partnership with SeaFam, we extend that commitment to a sector vital to the global workforce, ensuring that seafarers and their families have access to knowledge and protection they deserve,” said InLife President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua.

SeaFam Chairperson Arianne Rocha highlighted the importance of supporting families who remain onshore while their loved ones work at sea.

“Many Filipino families live in a cycle where each generation carries the weight of the next. When something unexpected happens, the emotional burden is often matched by financial uncertainty. At SeaFam, we believe empowerment begins with preparation: protecting not just income, but dignity, stability, and the family’s future. This partnership with InLife allows us to give families a better chance to prepare before life’s uncertainties happen,” said Rocha.

The partnership forms part of InLife@Work, InLife’s financial wellness program that brings education and protection closer to communities and workplaces.

“Through InLife@Work, we make financial wellness accessible and relevant to everyday Filipinos. By working with SeaFam, we are able to reach families where guidance is most needed and help them take meaningful steps toward financial security,” said InLife@Work Head and Chief Risk OfficerEfren C. Caringal Jr.

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Business

Credit Attitudes Shift Nationwide as TransUnion’s 2025 Credit Perception Index Reveals Growing Knowledge and Trust Beyond the Capital

by Contributor
written by Contributor
  • Driven by strong improvements in product knowledge and trust, the Credit Perception Index score of Filipinos outside the capital stands at 73 in 2025 — matching those based in the capital
  • Conventional credit tools such as credit cards and traditional banks remain more prominent in the capital, while mobile loan apps, money lenders and microloan providers are gaining interest in other regions
  • A majority of Filipinos outside the capital report strong demand for financial education (70%) and interest in new digital financial products (65%)

Manila, Philippines – TransUnion (NYSE: TRU), a global information and insights company and the Philippines’ first comprehensive private credit reference agency, today released additional findings from the 2025 Credit Perception Index (CPI). The data reveals a nationwide rebalancing of credit sentiment as Filipinos outside the Greater Capital Region (GCR) show rising financial literacy and openness to credit products, reshaping how consumers engage with credit across the country. For purposes of the study, GCR refers to the economic zone composed of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.

The CPI score — a combined measure to capture Filipinos’ knowledge, trust, and favorability toward credit and other financial products — among those residing outside the capital rose from 71 in 2024[1] to 73 in 2025, matching the 73 score of Filipinos based in the capital. This upward trend was driven by sizable gains in product trust (+11 points) and product knowledge (+6 points), likely reflecting sustained efforts by the public and private sectors over the years to expand credit awareness, education and access across the country.

“Filipinos outside the capital region are making notable strides, driven by sizable gains in both knowledge and trust of credit products,”said Peter Faulhaber, President and CEO of TransUnion Philippines.“This progress shows that more consumers are ready and willing to participate in the credit economy, reflecting a meaningful shift in how Filipinos understand and engage with financial products.”

Borrowing Preferences Differ Across Regions Alongside improved credit perception, intent to use credit is now comparable between consumers within and outside the capital. According to TransUnion’s 2025 CPI, close to two in every five Filipinos (38% in the capital and 39% in other regions) expressed a willingness to use

The 2025 CPI score computation was refined to provide a more holistic and robust view of Filipino consumers and capture shifting perceptions and behaviors. The same formula was applied retroactively to enable year-over-year comparisons.

credit to make purchases in the next three months from the time of the study. However, differences emerge in attitudes towards the various products.

Among respondents from the capital region, 44% expressed interest in using credit cards, compared with 36% from those outside the capital. Similarly, 40% indicated preference for borrowing from traditional banks vs 37% beyond the capital.

In contrast, Filipinos residing outside the capital region show greater openness to non-conventional financial solutions than capital residents, such as mobile loan apps (33% vs 27%), money lending services (29% vs 21%), and micro loan providers (22% vs 17%) — options that often offer a higher level of convenience and speed for consumers in areas usually with fewer traditional banking touchpoints.

These preferences align with reported rising product knowledge of small-ticket credit products among those based outside the capital, where perceived understanding of mobile loans (65% vs 60%), micro loans (54% vs 44%) and payday loans (54% vs 49%) are notably stronger than among those living in the capital.

Growing Openness to Financial Learning

Strong appetite for financial education may explain the improved credit knowledge and thus, trust among Filipinos outside the capital. The 2025 CPI shows that Filipinos outside the capital have a clear demand for financial learning. More than two-thirds (70%) of respondents from these areas expressed willingness to access educational materials to improve their finances, while a majority (65%) also reported strong openness to exploring new digital financial products and services.

In terms of education channels, social media remains the leading source of information on both financial and credit products for consumers within and outside the capital. Sixty percent from each group said they would like to learn about financial products via social platforms and a similar pattern appears for credit products, with 59% and 58% from the capital and beyond, respectively, sharing this preference.  

In response to this strong appetite for financial education in the country and the preference for digital channels, TransUnion’s new partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinos (BSP) serves as a timely initiative to deliver digital learning materials anywhere, anytime through multiple touchpoints.

The upcoming BSP E-Learning Academy (BELA) credit education module — soon accessible through the BSP Mobile App — will provide Filipinos nationwide with practical and engaging resources on understanding and managing credit. This initiative makes TransUnion the first credit reference agency in the Philippines to collaborate on the BSP’s digital BELA program to promote credit education, directly advancing financial literacy and financial inclusion among Filipinos while reshaping the country’s credit landscape.

“What we see in the latest TransUnion CPI is clear: interest and readiness for credit are rising well beyond the capital region, creating both an opportunity and a responsibility for the industry to expand access and education,” added Faulhaber. “TransUnion remains committed to driving this progress by partnering with financial institutions to broaden credit access, while delivering credit education initiatives that empower consumers across the country to manage credit responsibly.”

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Community

QC LGU and BDO Foundation empower small businesses through financial literacy and entrepreneurship training

by Contributor
written by Contributor

A positive start to 2026 welcomed nano-entrepreneurs as the Quezon City Small Business Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO) and BDO Foundation teamed up for “Ayusin ang Pera, Palaguin ang Negosyo”, a learning session on financial literacy and entrepreneurship held at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.

The activity was facilitated by Chinkee Tan, who shared lessons with his signature mix of wit, humor, and practical advice. 

More than 200 nano-entrepreneurs learned essential skills, mindset, and attitudes needed to start, manage, and grow a business. Sari-sari store owners, market vendors, and other self-employed individuals with a small capital gained practical insights from the Pambansang Wealth Coach as he drew from personal experiences and challenges.

Mona Celine Marie V. Yap, City Government Department Head III of the QC-SBCDPO, emphasized that similar capacity-building activities are available to Quezon City small business owners at no cost through partnerships with various organizations, including BDO Foundation.

“Katulad po ng mga ganitong pa-event, yung mga financial literacy, marami po tayong training that you can avail. Mayroon po tayong free trainings given by our partners (Similar to financial literacy events like these, you can avail free trainings given by our partners),” she said.

“Sa BDO Foundation, naniniwala kami na kapag may tamang kaalaman sa pera at negosyo, mas nagiging handa ang isang negosyante na magdesisyon nang maayos at magplano para sa kinabukasan (At BDO Foundation, we believe that with the right knowledge in finance and entrepreneurship, business owners will be more prepared to make better decisions and plan for the future),” said BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito in his message of support.   

Empowering small businesses. More than 200 nano-entrepreneurs from Quezon City laughed and learned with Pambansang Wealth Coach Chinkee Tan as he shared tips on starting and growing a business and effectively managing finances. (Photos courtesy of QC-SBCDPO)

Aside from the learning session led by Chinkee Tan, participants were also briefed on the Nano-Enterprise Registration Program of the Quezon City Government.  The briefing was aimed at encouraging nano-enterprise owners to register their businesses with the local government. During the session, participants were informed that registered nano-enterprises may avail of tax and registration fee exemptions, in accordance with existing local ordinance.

The event was also graced by Quezon City District 1 Councilor Charm M. Ferrer, who delivered a message of support in her capacity as Chairperson of the Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Business Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives.  Through this collaboration, BDO Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing financial inclusion — empowering business owners with the right knowledge and confidence needed to be more prepared in planning and deciding for their future.  

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Business

SEC brings BSP, Fuse Financing Inc., and PNP-ACG together to combat unsafe lending and strengthen public protection for Investor Protection Week 2025

by Contributor
written by Contributor

The growing wave of fraudulent investment schemes and unregulated borrowing products continues to harm Filipino consumers, especially students, employees, and daily earners who lack the financial skills to evaluate promises of fast profit. These schemes thrive because many Filipinos do not have the critical literacy needed to protect themselves.

SEC Chairperson Francis Lim talks about every Filipino’s financial knowledge and the power it may bring, during his keynote message at the Investor Protection Week 2025, with the theme “InvestED Tayo sa Kinabukasang Sigurado.”

To address this, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held this year’s Investor Protection Week (IPW) from November 12-14 with the theme “InvestED Tayo sa Kinabukasang Sigurado,” highlighting the importance of financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and safe investing  among Filipinos.

The three-day IPW celebration brought together employees from both public and private sector institutions, as well as students from various schools and universities to improve their financial literacy. It featured discussions on responsible borrowing and spotting investment scams, which were headlined by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and Fuse Financing, Inc.,the lending arm of GCash.

During his keynote message, SEC Chairperson Francis Lim emphasized the urgency of the national effort, stating that “financial literacy is not a privilege” but a protection. He added that financial knowledge is the “only investment that cannot be stolen from us,” underscoring the Commission’s push to make financial literacy a core subject in high school. This is crucial as many scams promise unrealistic returns, with some promising to double an investor’s money in a span of just one month.

The event also featured the launch of the SEC Academy, an accessible and user-friendly educational platform that aims to help guide Filipinos in their financial journey. The forum was also marked by foundational learning sessions, including a financial literacy class led by financial journalist Salve Ibañez.

Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc., discusses safe and responsible borrowing at the Regulatory Engagement panel discussion during the “InvestED Tayo sa Financial Literacy at Responsableng Pag-utang” forum. From left: PNP-ACG General Cybercrime Section Chief, PMAJ Sonny Galicia; Fuse Financing Inc. President & CEO Tony Isidro; BSP Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Director Rochelle Tomas; and SEC- FinLend Director Sheara Lupango-Tamayo

Driving the importance of responsible borrowing

One of the major event highlights was the Regulatory Engagement panel discussion during the opening forum of the IPW on November 12 titled “InvestED Tayo sa Financial Literacy at Responsableng Pag-utang.” The discussion, featuring leaders from SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department (FinLend), the BSP Consumer Protection Office, the PNP-ACG Cyber Response Unit, and Fuse Financing Inc., highlighted the importance of safe and responsible borrowing, as well as the shared goal of protecting Filipinos in an increasingly digital financial landscape.

BSP’s Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Director, Rochelle Tomas stressed the central role of consumer decision-making in avoiding financial harm. “The most important skill for consumers today is critical thinking and the ability to determine the right information about investments” she said.

Meanwhile, Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO Tony Isidro added, “You have the choice to select the best financial services you want and that fits your needs. So it’s important to be critical about the information, and make your own personal decisions.” He further emphasized that this deliberate decision-making is key to choosing safe, licensed institutions instead of hard-to-trace, unregulated online lenders.

The panel stressed that consumer protection, intrinsically linked to a firm’s regulated status, demands two key skills. The BSP defined critical thinking as the “ability to determine whether an information that’s being given is correct and the ability to determine where to go when there is a problem,” while SEC FinLend Director Lupango-Tamayo reinforced the need for comprehension: “Interest rates are good for you if you make it work for you. Interest rates are bad for you if you do not understand what it means to your debt.”

The discussions throughout the program reinforced a shared vision for the country’s financial future. This collaborative effort lays the groundwork for long-term defenses against fraud and financial instability, ensuring that the public is better equipped to make informed financial decisions.

Simplifying safe investments for everyday Filipinos

Speaking on a panel discussion on when and where to invest on November 14, GCash Head of Market Education for Wealth Management John Garcia stressed that accessing investments have traditionally felt complex for ordinary Filipinos, while underscoring the need for greater financial literacy to determine between safe and potentially fraudulent or misleading opportunities.

GCash empowers Filipinos to build a better financial future by providing access to powerful investment tools while building stronger financial literacy, according to GCash Market Education Head for Wealth Management John Garcia.

“Let’s simplify it. Investing is not as complicated as it seems but to many Filipinos, it feels intimidating. At GCash, our goal is to make investing straightforward and understandable for every Filipino,” says Garcia.

Garcia also said that many Filipinos dream of owning a business someday. He explains that when one invests in stocks, that person essentially becomes a business owner. “You put your money into that company because you believe it will grow, and as a part-owner, you can earn

dividends. If the business grows, you grow with it. But you also share in the risks in the business.” says Garcia.

Furthermore, SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department Director Oliver Leonardo likewise reminded audiences, “Bago mag invest, mag-imbestiga,” further stressing the importance of conducting due diligence on investment opportunities. PSE’s Corporate Planning and Research Head Mica Ella Cu also referred the audience to the PSE EDGE portal for company disclosures like financial reports, material transactions, corporate announcements as well as PSE EQUIP for access to relevant market data in analyzing company performance and price movements.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. 

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Business

Maya empowers overseas Filipinos in Hong Kong to build financial confidence

by Contributor
written by Contributor

HONG KONG — For many overseas Filipinos, every remittance represents a dream for their families back home. However, building long-term financial confidence can be challenging when savings and planning take a backseat to everyday needs. 

To help address this, Maya, the Philippines’ #1 all-in-one fintech platform, recently joined the Financial Literacy and Digital Adoption Program for the OFW Community, organized by FintechAlliance.PH, in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, under the leadership of Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. 

Participants learned practical ways to strengthen their financial health—from digital savings and responsible credit use to remittance management and scam prevention—all aligned with Maya’s Financial Fitness (FinFit) Program. 

“We want our kababayans in Hong Kong to feel that banking and payments are not an extra burden—it’s an ally in their journey,” said Toff Rada, Maya head of corporate affairs. “Through high engagement banking, digital savings, responsible credit tools, and clearer financial habits, we’re helping OFWs turn hard-earned income into long-term confidence and stability. 

Held alongside the Hong Kong FinTech Festival 2025, the session highlighted how fintechs and digital banks are promoting inclusion and financial well-being for Filipinos both at home and abroad. Maya joined other FintechAlliance.PH member companies in this year’s festival reaffirm the industry’s shared commitment to empower Overseas Filipinos through innovation and education. 

According to the Home Affairs Department of the Hong Kong government, there were over 200,000 Filipinos recorded in the 2021 Population Census, across various professions.

Through FinFit, Maya aims to make digital finance more inclusive and empowering—helping OFWs manage what they earn, protect what they’ve built, and plan for a secure financial future. 

Maya’s initiative promotes financial health and digital adoption across diverse sectors—including teachers, MSMEs, youth, and the Overseas Filipino community—advancing its mission to make financial empowerment measurable, inclusive, and sustainable for every Filipino, wherever they are. 

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Community

Thousands of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University students to benefit from BPI’s financial literacy programs

by Contributor
written by Contributor

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), has officially entered into a four-year partnership with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) to provide financial education to thousands of students across its four campuses in Negros Occidental.

Through the agreement, BPIF will bring its flagship financial education programs to CHMSU, benefiting nearly 40,000 students over four years.

“We are excited to work together with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University on this initiative. BPIF, together with our partners, recognizes the essential role of financial literacy in achieving greater financial inclusion, which is why we continue to do our best to reach more communities,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.

“We are optimistic that through this program, we can empower more individuals and households in underserved communities with financial knowledge and skills and promote responsible financial behavior for a more financially resilient future,” she added.

This long-term collaboration underscores BPIF’s mission to build financially resilient and empowered communities by working with academic institutions that play a vital role in shaping future generations.

(L-R): BPI Foundation’s Manolo Nava, Senior Program Manager, and Carmina Marquez, Executive Director, with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University’s Norberto Mangalubnan, University President, Marissa Quezon, Dean, College of Business Management and Accountancy, and Rhoderick Samonte, Director for Internationalization and External Relations.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing was attended by key representatives from both institutions. Representing CHMSU were Dr. Norberto Mangulabnan, University President; Rhoderick Samonte, Director for Internationalization and External Relations; and Dr. Marissa Quezon, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy. From BPIF, attendees included Carmina Marquez, Executive Director; Manolo Nava, Senior Program Manager for Financial Education and Arts Management; and Gladys Malapo, Program Manager for Financial Education.

To learn more about BPIF’s financial education programs, visit www.bpifoundation.org or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).

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Community

DepEd and CBS Champion Financial Wellness for Educators Nationwide

by Contributor
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Empowering Teachers Through Financial Literacy and Capability-Building

In celebration of National Teachers’ Month, the Department of Education (DepEd) and China Bank Savings (CBS) have once again joined forces to roll out a nationwide series of Financial Wellness Workshops, aimed at enhancing the financial literacy and capability of public school teachers.

Niel Jumawan, First Vice President and Head of CBS’s Automatic Payroll Deduction (APD) Lending Group, emphasized that the “Financial Wellness Roadshow for Teachers” is strategically designed to elevate educators’ understanding of personal finance fundamentals—particularly in savings, budgeting, debt management, and the practical application of financial tools such as Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Cash Flow Statements.

“Our overarching goal is to contribute meaningfully to nation-building by supporting teachers in achieving improved financial wellness, fostering a culture of savings consciousness, and strengthening creditworthiness within the education sector,” Jumawan stated.

He further noted that the roadshow, which spans key locations across Mindanao and the Visayas, is the latest iteration of CBS’s long-standing commitment to promoting responsible financial behavior at the grassroots level. “By capacitating teachers, we hope to create a ripple effect that extends to their learners, their families, and the broader community—ultimately scam-proofing vulnerable sectors of society,” he added.

Track Record of Impact

Prior to the 2025 rollout, CBS had successfully conducted 40 financial wellness seminars nationwide between 2023 and 2024, benefitting 2,081 participants composed of teachers, students, and CBS employees.

This year’s roadshow itinerary includes:

  • September 5 – Glan, Sarangani
  • September 7 – Participation in the DepEd Regional NTM Kick-Off in Koronadal City
  • September 19 – Dumaguete City
  • September 21 – DepEd Regional NTM Celebration, also in Dumaguete
  • September 24 – Iloilo City

These events are expected to attract hundreds of attendees and reinforce CBS’s position

as a steadfast partner in educator empowerment.

Beyond Educators: A Broader Commitment to Financial Inclusion

While the Financial Wellness Roadshow places the spotlight on teachers, CBS remains equally committed to supporting the broader banking needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and retail banking clients. The bank currently operates a total of 277 touchpoints nationwide—comprising 170 full-service branches, 107 Lending Centers and Branch-Lite Units (BLUs)—supported by a robust 261-unit ATM network, making it the second-largest ATM network among thrift banks in the Philippines.

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