Bohol — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in a landmark collaboration with the BDO Foundation and the City Government of Tagbilaran, has formalized a new partnership aimed at elevating financial literacy across Bohol. Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on July 7, 2026, at the Tagbilaran City Hall, the three entities have committed to a "whole-of-city" approach to boost economic well-being and financial resilience for residents. By combining national regulatory expertise with private-sector resources and local government reach, the initiative seeks to provide Boholanos with the practical skills needed to make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term economic stability.
A Coordinated Approach to Financial Empowerment
This partnership is designed to move beyond traditional classroom learning, implementing tailored programs that address the specific needs of various sectors in Tagbilaran and the broader Bohol province. The initiative has already hit the ground running with financial learning sessions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), senior citizens, and civil society organizations. Furthermore, the program facilitates direct assistance to help residents open formal bank accounts, addressing a crucial step in promoting financial inclusion and bringing more citizens into the formal banking system. By engaging local universities to utilize the BSP e-Learning Academy, the partners are ensuring that these financial education tools are accessible, scalable, and sustainable.
Targeted Interventions for Sustainable Livelihood
Recognizing that different sectors face unique challenges, the BSP and its partners have integrated specialized tools like the "Fish N’ LEarn" financial education game to support the province’s fisherfolk. These interactive approaches are part of a broader strategy to ensure that financial concepts—such as saving, budgeting, and debt management—are not just theoretical but actionable. BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat emphasized that such collaborations are most effective when national agencies, private foundations, and local government units align their resources toward a shared goal. This alignment is further strengthened by ongoing discussions with local banking institutions to expand access to financial services throughout the city, ensuring that the newfound literacy of the residents is matched by tangible opportunities for financial growth.
