• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm BPI Foundation (BPIF), has formalized a partnership with the city government of Victorias in Negros Occidental, through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
The partnership is in line with the implementation of FinEd Unboxed Program, which is designed to improve financial literacy among various sectors of society.
The collaboration seeks to expand access to quality education and strengthen financial empowerment in underserved communities.
“It is all about empowering communities, being able to guide them in their financial journey,” BPIF Executive Director Carmina Marquez said.
The financial literacy education, being piloted in six areas of Victorias City and turned out to be successful, led to the formulation and signing of the MOA, Marquez said.
Mayor Abelardo Bantug III described the MOA signing as another milestone for the city, and a collaboration that reflects their shared commitment to empowering Victoriasanons through accessible and practical financial education.
“We have always believed that financial literacy is most powerful when introduced at an early age and strengthened through guidance from mentors, teachers, and our own workplace,” Bantug said.
“By reaching our Grade 5 and 6 learners, mentors, and city government employees, this initiative helps nurture responsible financial habits, long-term planning, and a mindset of preparedness that can uplift families and communities,” he added.
“With the support of the BPI Foundation, our local leaders, and dedicated stakeholders, we continue to open doors to greater opportunities, self-reliant livelihoods, and stronger communities,” Bantug said.
The program also covers practical financial skills such as saving, budgeting, credit management, investing, insurance, retirement planning and fraud prevention. The initiative seeks to strengthen financial empowerment while broadening access to quality education in partner communities. | GB
