The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has partnered with the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) and the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (RBAP) to broaden financial education efforts for low-income communities.
Launched on Thursday at the BSP head office in Manila, the initiative aims to embed financial literacy into the daily lives of Filipinos, especially microentrepreneurs and rural families. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. highlighted the evolving role of central banks, stating, “Traditionally, central banks have prioritized communication with markets, but broader public engagement is just as essential.” He emphasized that financial education enables citizens to better grasp economic policies and make sound financial choices.
Deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stressed the importance of making financial literacy practical and accessible. “Whether you’re a microentrepreneur managing a business, a rural banker advising a farmer, or a learner gaining new skills, financial literacy should be useful, relatable, and rooted in real-life decisions,” she said.
MCPI chairman Gilbert Maramba noted that financially literate clients of microfinance institutions (MFIs) often experience quicker income growth, advancing poverty alleviation goals. RBAP president Jose Paolo Palileo added that the initiative will improve financial knowledge among rural bank staff, who can in turn educate their communities.
Under the partnership, BSP, MCPI, and RBAP will train MFIs and rural bankers to deliver targeted financial education sessions. The BSP also rolled out new learning modules—co-developed with BDO Foundation—covering topics such as investment, fraud prevention, and digital finance. These are available online via the BSP E-Learning Academy and TESDA’s online platform, complementing in-person training.
By leveraging collective expertise, the initiative reflects a unified effort to promote inclusive growth, empower underserved communities, and build a more financially capable citizenry.
