The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is promoting financial literacy among students and educators, urging young Filipinos to develop sound money-management habits before they enter the workforce.
More than 300 participants from Albay attended the two-day Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) 2026 for the academe, which began Wednesday.
Students and educators from universities across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao also joined online.
The program carries the theme “EkonoMEya: Ekonomiya + Ako, From Awareness to Action: Making Smart Money Decisions Early.”
Marianne Santos, director of the BSP Economic and Financial Learning Office, said the program is held annually in different parts of the country to reach specific sectors and promote responsible personal financial management.
The first leg this year was held in Cabanatuan for micro, small and medium enterprises, followed by a session in Zamboanga for the agriculture sector. Legazpi is hosting the third leg for students and teachers, she said.
Santos said early financial education can help young people become financially resilient when faced with emergencies, illness, disasters and other unexpected expenses.
“We want students, and actually everyone, that when they graduate and start working and receive their salaries, they already know how to budget and use their money properly,” she said. “It should not only be about spending. They should also know how to budget and save.”
She said Legazpi City was chosen because of its large student population, allowing the BSP to reach more young people.
Santos encouraged schools and other institutions to request financial learning sessions from the central bank.
The BSP also offers free financial education through its E-Learning Academy, an online platform accessible 24/7.
It has nine modules covering savings and budgeting, debt management, basic investing, personal financial management, fraud and scams, and digital financial literacy.
Santos said digital financial literacy is increasingly important as more Filipinos use digital platforms for financial transactions.
Students attending the program said the lessons complement their academic training.
Ashley Jillian Llacer, an accountancy student at Divine Word College of Legazpi, said the discussions on inflation and money management were particularly useful in helping her manage her limited allowance.
“As a student, it helps me manage my money because, of course, my budget is limited,” Llacer said. “I receive an allowance and need to budget it for a week so it will be enough for my needs.”
Jimuel Flores, a graduating student and student leader at Bicol University, said the program would help him manage finances in his role as a council treasurer and prepare for his future financial needs.
“It helps make my skills more holistic as a student leader and as a treasurer of our council, particularly when it comes to saving money and proper budget allocation,” he said.
The program features four sessions each day on economic awareness, money management, behavioral finance, borrowing, financial health, credit cards, financial protection and better money habits. (PNA)
