University News

Empowering Filipinos Through Financial Education in 1st National Financial Inclusion Summit

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

To harness the transformative power of financial literacy among young Filipinos, the Cebuana Lhuiller Foundation Inc. (CLFI), alongside the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and the League of Corporate Foundations (LCP), held the National Financial Inclusion Summit on November 13 at Novotel, Cubao, Quezon City.

The event gathered educators and curriculum developers, state university and college (SUCs) administrators, policymakers, financial regulators, private sector representatives, local government units (LGU), and community partners. Its objectives were to underscore the role of education in advancing financial inclusion and resilience, equip academic institutions with tools to embed inclusive financial literacy into curricula and programs, strengthen collaboration among academe, government, and private sector, and promote access to financial services and digital platforms for students and school communities.

University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, in his welcome remarks, welcomed delegates and media and highlighted education’s power to drive financial awareness. “Let us remember: Financial literacy is empowerment, financial access is inclusion, and inclusion is justice.” Muhi said. “Together, through this Summit, let us commit to a future where no learner is left behind, where financial inclusion is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.”

Echoing Muhi’s words, LCP Board of Trustees Chairperson, Shem Jose W. Garcia, affirmed a shared commitment to “working towards a brighter financial future,” while Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV expressed gratitude to educators and pledged his full support for their advocacy. TESDA Deputy Director General for Administration and Innovation Galo Glino III reiterated the agency’s dedication to integrating financial education into technical-vocational training and exploring expanded course offerings in partnership with SUC’s.

Representing DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, Assistant Secretary Janir T. Datukan underscored the urgency of teaching financial literacy early, stating, “Our goal is for every Filipino learner, regardless of social status, to have the confidence to properly manage money,” and framing financial inclusion as an act of hope that cultivates both economic and social responsibility.

Spotlight presentations, panel discussions, and feature segments highlighted the critical role of education in advancing financial literacy and inclusion among young Filipinos. The speakers emphasized the need to embed practical, digital, and inclusive financial education across all levels—from kindergarten to higher education and underscored the importance of strengthening the financial abilities of the youth within the education system.

Among the distinguished speakers at the summit were:

• Jean Henri D. Lhuillier, President and CEO of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, who delivered a keynote titled “From Access to Impact: Why Financial Inclusion Starts with Education.”
• Atty. Charina B. De Vera-Yap, Managing Director of the Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-Sector (FINCESS) at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with her presentation “Beyond Banking: Building a Digitally Inclusive Financial Ecosystem.”
• Carmina F. Bayombong, Founder and CEO of InvestEd Philippines, who spoke on “Breaking Barriers: How Student Financing Can Redefine Financial Inclusion for the Next Generation.”
• Dr. Francisco S. A. Sandejas, Founder and CEO of Xepto Education Philippines, presenting “Digital Pathways to Financial Inclusion: Empowering Learners through EdTech Innovation.”
• Dr. Laarni Evelyn A. Santiago, Principal of the High School of the University of Makati and Associate Professor at the College of Innovative Teacher Education (CITE), UMak, who shared insights in “Integrating Financial Inclusion in the Curriculum: The UMak Experience.”
• Michael F. Rellosa, Executive Director and Trustee of the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA), with his talk “Digital Insurance and Financial Inclusion: Making Protection Accessible to Every Filipino.”
• Dr. Majoe Badola, Education and Services Manager at Xepto Education Philippines, who introduced “Digital Tools for Financial Literacy: The CLFI #LahatKasama FinLit Module.”

The National Financial Inclusion Summit’s unifying message was clear: by embedding practical, inclusive, and digitally enabled financial education early and across all levels, the Philippines can build a generation not only academically capable but financially resilient. It should equip to uplift families, withstand crises, and drive inclusive growth.

CLFI Executive Director Jonathan D. Batangan, to officially bring the occasion to a close, thanked every education, public, and private partner for helping bring the vision of “a nation where every student not only how to earn but how to save, invest, and rebuild” to reality.

“In the end, financial inclusion is not just about money, it is about dignity.” said Batangan, a PUP alumnus. “The dignity of a student who no longer has to drop out, the dignity of a family that can rise again after a storm, the dignity of every Filipino who can say may pag-asa, may paraan, kaya kong bumangon (there is hope, there is a way, I can rise again.).”

The Sintang Paaralan continues to affirm its commitment to empowering not only PUPians, but all young Filipinos through financial literacy, resiliency, and inclusion. The National Financial Inclusion Summit aligns with several United Nations’ Sustainable Goals (SDGs), particularly in No. 4 in Quality Education, No. 10 in Reduced Inequalities, No. 11 in Sustainable Cities and Communities, and No. 17 in Partnership for the Goals. Through this initiative, PUP strives to contribute meaningfully to the financial advancement of Filipinos nationwide.