MANILA — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognized outstanding financial education advocates and formalized a digital partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during the “Financial Education (Fin-Ed) Stakeholders’ Congress” held from 17 to 18 November 2025 at the BSP Head Office.

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat led the conferment of the “Financial Education Awards” to government agencies, private institutions, and foundations that have advanced financial education and inclusion nationwide.

Awardees included:

• Exemplary Financial Education Partners: Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); BDO Foundation
• Innovative Financial Education Partners: DA–Agricultural Credit Policy Council; Department of Education; Asian Development Bank; Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation; Securities and Exchange Commission; Insurance Commission
• Emerging Financial Education Partners: Department of Social Welfare and Development; Department of Migrant Workers; Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; Civil Service Commission; Armed Forces of the Philippines; Philippine National Police; Bureau of Fire Protection; BPI Foundation
• Promising Financial Education Partners: Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc.; Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines; Credit Card Association of the Philippines; Visa Foundation; Maybank Foundation; Department of Labor and Employment; International Labour Organization; local government units of Odiongan, Romblon; Alcala, Pangasinan; and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; TransUnion Philippines; Boy Scouts of the Philippines; Commission on Higher Education; Department of Trade and Industry; TESDA; Department of Economy, Planning and Development

During the event, Romulo-Puyat also signed a memorandum of agreement with DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, under which DICT will provide digital infrastructure support to two BSP flagship initiatives: Paleng-QR Ph Plus and BSP E-Learning Academy (BELA).

Paleng-QR Ph Plus promotes electronic payments through the national QR Ph standard in public markets, local transport, and small businesses. BELA is an online platform providing accessible economic and financial education materials.

“Under the theme ‘The Journey to Financial Success: Financial Learning that Connects, Transforms, and Sustains,’ the congress gathered more than 3,500 in-person and online participants from government, academe, and private institutions, including micro, small, and medium enterprises,” Romulo-Puyat said, noting that the event aims to empower citizens and reduce household loan defaults as Fin-Ed programs expand.

The congress also launched new initiatives, including the Credit Card Association of the Philippines’ “Credit Card Essentials E-Learning Module,” the BSP’s enhanced “Protect Your Money campaign,” and Fin-Ed collaborations with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and TransUnion Philippines.

Learning sessions encouraged Filipinos to embrace digital learning, adopt sustainable financial habits, and build financial confidence in a digital economy. Speakers included Francis Kong, Fitz Villafuerte, Benjamin Radoc Jr., Jax Reyes, Alain Bert Regis, Anatoly Gusto, Angela Okol, Jacqueline Ali, Lito Villanueva, Elaine Katindoy, Kat Tapia, and Arianne Ferrer. Celebrity guests Alden Richards, Isabelle Daza, and Iza Calzado also attended.

The two-day event is part of the BSP’s contribution to the nationwide observance of Economic and Financial Literacy Week every November, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10922, which emphasizes the importance of a financially literate and empowered citizenry as a cornerstone of national progress.