The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) held its Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) in Cotabato City from 17 to 18 September 2025, to promote financial literacy among farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-entrepreneurs.
Carrying the theme “Kaalamang Pinansyal para sa pAGRIsenso at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” the sessions covered agri-business development, financing and insurance options, digital tools, Islamic banking, and strategies for both emergency preparedness and long-term financial planning.
BSP deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, in a recorded message, emphasized the program’s goal of empowering participants with financial knowledge they can pass on to future generations.
A pre-session on 16 September focused on personal financial management for staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), while participants were given access to formal financial services on 19 September.
The initiative addresses financial inclusion gaps, as BSP’s 2021 survey revealed that 73 percent of farmers and fisherfolk remain unbanked due to access barriers and limited awareness.
The Cotabato leg marks the fourth EFLP rollout in 2025, following sessions for students, MSMEs, and BSP personnel.
