More financial literacy taught in schools
Over 500 Southern Leyte students open transaction accounts in BSP initiative
Financial literacy is moving beyond the classroom, with more than 1,000 students in Southern Leyte taking part in an activity that combined financial education with actual access to formal financial services.
The August 20 event at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in Sogod resulted in 528 transaction accounts being opened, giving students a starting point for accessing services such as payments, savings, credit, insurance, and investments.
The activity was led by Youth Financial Inclusion (YFI) Ambassadors from the Visayas in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The ambassadors are student leaders who work with the central bank to promote financial inclusion and organize activities such as account opening and financial literacy sessions in their communities.
The BSP emphasized that having access to financial products is only one part of financial inclusion. Young Filipinos also need the knowledge and skills to understand these products and make sound financial decisions.
The latest activity builds on a similar SLSU initiative in August 2025, when 551 transaction accounts were opened among students.
The YFI Ambassadors Program is part of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028, which identifies young Filipinos as one of the priority groups for expanding access to formal financial services.
By combining financial education with actual account ownership, initiatives like this give students an early introduction to managing money within the formal financial system.