Major Maria Theresa Babiera of the Philippine Army never imagined that a simple conversation with her seven-year-old daughter at the mall would become a powerful reflection of the financial lessons she’d learned—and passed on.
“Mom, is that a necessity or something unimportant? You don’t need to buy it for me if it’s a luxury,” her daughter said, when asked if she wanted a treat. The moment stunned Babiera. “It made me realize how effectively I’ve shared the value of money to my daughter,” she said.
Babiera is one of many soldiers benefiting from a financial literacy initiative spearheaded by BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The program, launched in 2019, equips both uniformed and civilian personnel with the tools to manage their finances responsibly—covering essentials like budgeting, saving, investing, and scam prevention.
Speaking at a recent town hall event titled Kita-Kita, organized by BDO Foundation and BSP, Babiera credited the Foundation’s seminars and training modules for transforming financial discipline into a lifestyle not only for her—but for her whole family.
BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito underscored the program’s growing impact, noting an increased enthusiasm among participants to explore investment opportunities. “Participants are now eager to explore investment products and opportunities within the financial system,” he said.
So far, over 50,000 AFP personnel have received training, with the initiative embedded into soldiers’ personal scorecards and career development programs. Navy Capt. Michael Barrion emphasized that financial literacy is no longer an add-on—it’s ingrained. “We can rely more on soldiers who are focused, stress-free and financially literate,” he said.
With 76 AFP trainers developed and financial education reaching nearly half of the armed forces, the effort is more than just a campaign—it’s a cultural shift. As Barrion puts it, “Financial literacy is now a daily practice for soldiers.”
And for Babiera, it’s also a legacy. One that begins at home, in conversations with a child wise beyond her years.
