A teacher’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. Acknowledging the vital role teachers play in shaping the youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Foundation organized a financial literacy session to support 20 teachers from Naga, 20 teachers from Iriga, and 60 teachers and non-teaching staff from Camarines Sur, in celebration of National Teachers' Month. The event was hosted by the Schools Division Office of Camarines Sur.

The session, aimed at empowering early-career teachers, covered essential financial management topics such as budgeting, saving, financial planning, debt management, and preventing fraud and scams.

"As teachers, we are responsible for being positive role models to our students – we are their second parents," said Norma Samantela, the Camarines Sur Schools Division superintendent. "This training helps us make better financial choices, ensuring a secure future for ourselves and our families."

DepEd and BDO Foundation collaborate closely to improve financial literacy in the education sector. Along with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, they are currently implementing a financial education program in public schools across the country.

Veteran business journalist and strong financial education advocate, Salve Duplito, facilitated the session at Lotus Blu Hotel. Having been raised by a teacher, she resonated with the challenges educators face, especially those with family obligations.

“Teachers excel at imparting knowledge to shape the minds of the youth. We aim to give back in a similar way – through financial education,” she said.

Financial inclusion is a key pillar of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. The initiative in Naga is part of the foundation’s broader efforts to improve the economic well-being of Filipinos across different sectors.

About BDO Foundation

BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. Founded in 2008, the foundation contributes to nation-building by addressing the needs of various sectors of society through programs in the areas of financial inclusion, disaster response, rehabilitation and rebuilding. Supported by the BDO Unibank community and in partnership with local government units and non-governmental organizations, BDO Foundation mounts relief operations, rehabilitates rural health units, constructs school buildings and implements financial education programs across the country. Its corporate citizenship initiatives have been recognized at the Retail Banking Awards of Asian Banking & Finance magazine and Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards of Enterprise Asia. For more information, visit www.bdo.com.ph, e-mail bdo.foundation@bdo.com.ph or call 8840-7000 local 36046.

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