A recent Metrobank survey reveals that Filipinos’ reasons for saving change as they move through different life stages. Younger adults save mainly for financial security and personal needs, working adults focus on buying a home or funding travel, and middle-aged Filipinos prioritize retirement and their children’s education.
Across all ages, saving is widely seen as a way to prepare for the future—echoing the familiar reminder to “mag-ipon.” The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,200 Filipinos, found that 21 percent save primarily for emergencies or future needs. This mirrors findings from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that most savers set aside money for unexpected expenses.
About 16 percent save for home purchases or improvements, while 14 percent save for travel, concerts, or hobbies. Motivations also differ by location: in Metro Manila, financial stability leads at 23 percent, followed by housing (19 percent) and leisure (17 percent). Outside the capital, education tops the list at 20 percent, reflecting varied access to income and services.
Savings priorities shift with age as well. Among those 18–24, financial security is the top goal, followed by personal purchases (21 percent) and education (18 percent). Working adults aged 25–44 prioritize home ownership and financial stability (both 23 percent), with travel close behind (18 percent). For those 45–64, retirement (23 percent), children’s future (20 percent), and travel (14 percent) take center stage.
Metrobank says its digital eSavings Account aims to help Filipinos meet these goals. New clients can open an account through the Metrobank App, submit basic information and ID verification, and deposit P2,000 within seven days. Maintaining this balance provides benefits including life insurance coverage, InstaPay rebates, and access to higher-interest time deposits.
The bank says the eSavings account allows users to build good financial habits while opening doors to future credit, loan, and investment opportunities.
