The Department of Social Welfare and Development- Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) launched a financial literacy program for the youth in Lanao del Norte on Tuesday, targeting senior high school students of Kapatagan National High School.

In a statement, DSWD-10 Director Ramel Jamen said the initiative, part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), aims to improve the financial knowledge of its beneficiaries.

“Through this program, we aim to equip our youth with the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions,” Jamen said.

The program integrates a financial literacy curriculum into the monthly Youth Development Sessions (YDS), with Kapatagan town serving as pilot location.

Topics covered include the value of cash grants, responsible budgeting, saving strategie and consumer protection policies.

Starting next year, the 4Ps Regional Program Management Office will roll out the financial literacy module to all high school students in Northern Mindanao.

Dr. Joselito Epe, Public School District Superintendent of Kapatagan, and the school’s administration said the initiative will foster positive behavioral changes as students approach graduation.

The financial literacy program is also under the Kilos Unlad (Progress Movement) Framework, which focuses on social case management strategies aimed at helping households escape poverty and achieve better well-being. (PNA)